National Mall, National park in Washington D.C., United States.
The National Mall is a long green axis in Washington D.C. extending from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, lined with wide pedestrian paths. Along the grounds stand several memorials and museum buildings that allow open access.
Pierre Charles L'Enfant designed the grounds in 1791 as an open space for citizens, drawing on European models with a democratic focus. Over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, memorials and institutions were gradually added, shaping its current appearance.
The central lawn serves as a gathering place for events and is often used by visitors for picnicking or playing ball games. Surrounding the green space are buildings displaying objects from different areas of American history.
Several Metro stations are within walking distance and provide quick access to different sections of the park. Rangers offer guided tours throughout the year to help orient visitors across the expansive grounds.
The obelisk in the middle of the grounds was built from two different types of marble after construction resumed following a decades-long halt. This interruption left a visible color gradation on the tower that remains noticeable today.
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