The "First" Washington Monument

Many of you know how much I love Washington DC.  Each time I have visited I have stopped at the Washington Monument.  It is stunning at sunset and the views to WWll and Lincoln are some of my favorites.  What I didn't know with each visit is that it was not the first Washington Monument. The honor of that title belongs to the city of Baltimore.

A few weeks ago Sean and I visited the FIRST Washington Monument.  It is located in a beautiful section of Baltimore.   The monument sits in the center of Mount Vernon Place, where it is surrounded by four small parks, one each side.  

Like all other monuments and memorials they need to be enjoyed during the day and at night.  They take on a different feel when the sun sets and the lights come on.  Our decision to venture out to the monument was last minute, so our first visit was in the evening.  

We arrived just as the sun disappeared for the day.  The lights were already on as the sun faded, but the parks were still alive with visitors.   Each park has beautiful architecture, history, fountains and landscaping to be enjoyed all year.  There were a lot of people out playing games, reading, visiting, drinking coffee and eating ice cream.  

Each of the four parks had  their own feel, a bit link a different room in your house.  The one thing they had in common were the bistro tables with chairs and park benches.  These tables and benches invited visitors to sit and stay a while.  The canopy of the trees made it feel very cozy, a place you would want to  enjoy any time of day or evening.  Our walk through each park allowed us to admire the monument from each side all lit up.

 There is more to the monument than the stunning views at sunset or at night.  It actually provides a history lesson on Washington as well as the construction of the monument and area.  We definitely want to return during the day, so we can walk the 227 steps to the look out tower, tour the gallery, visit the Peabody Library, art gallery and Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church.  

When we found out we were moving to DC, I was excited to explore areas that aren't on the typical tour.  I wanted to meet people that either grew up here or have lived here for many years and learn about the places locals know.  Getting to explore these lesser known places has been thrilling.

* I have included links so you can explore on your own virtually or add it to a trip itinerary.