Out of Many Ideas, One National Mall

“Much of the Mall’s visual strength lies in its scale. From the Capitol to Fourteenth Street, the broad, linear space creates a sense of expansiveness commensurate with the bold visions that shaped it, a space that may be said to be emblematic of the vast reaches of the country itself” (14).

The Book

The Mall in Washington, 1791-1991 is a collection of articles that explore the history of the National Mall. The authors write of Pierre L’Enfant’s original plan for America’s new capitol city, various figures who impacted the developments, the landscape, and specific additions to the National Mall.

The National Mall we know now took a long time to develop. In March 1797, 227 acres were set aside for the “health and ornament of the city” (46). Buildings were developed slowly and in 1854, a railroad ran across the National Mall. By the end of the 1800s, it was fragmented into seven separate parks and gardens. The McMillian Plan (1901-1902) attempted to unify the National Mall and work towards what L’Enfant originally envisioned. In 1926, the National Capitol Park and Planning Commission was created to help unify the work on the National Mall. According to Charles Moore, “In the monuments of the National Capitol you shall read the history of America” (144). The buildings, sculptures, landscape, and space attempt to convey meanings to the visitor.

The Mall in Washington, 1791-1991 contains detailed research that delves into the history of a familiar space. It’s not just the history of the National Mall; it also includes the history of Washington, DC and American government, society, and design. At times the average reader might feel bogged down by the academic research, but overall this book is very accessible. The articles are supplemented with hundreds of original drawing plans, photos of scale models, and photos at the various stages of development. These articles help the reader appreciate the careful thought and detailed work that went into the design of the National Mall, landscape, and buildings.

The Place

It is impossible to see everything on the National Mall in one day; there are simply too many museums and memorials. If it is a nice day, a picnic lunch is a great option on the vast open land at any point on the National Mall. If the weather is not great, consider exploring one of the many Smithsonian Museums; they literally have something for everyone. The World War I, World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War Memorials are poignant reminders of the sacrifices of many. My recommendation would be to plan several days to explore the National Mall.

Simply standing at any point on the National Mall can leave you with a sense of awe. Despite the number and size of the buildings, people still seem to dominate the space. When I lived in Washington, DC one of my favorite things to do was to walk the Mall. There is no other place in America like this vast park memorializing great leaders and our nation’s history.