Pennsylvania Avenue, Major street between White House and Capitol in Washington, D.C., United States
Pennsylvania Avenue is a major street between the White House and the Capitol in Washington, D.C., extending 35.1 miles (56.5 kilometers) into Maryland. Government buildings, monuments, and landscaped green spaces line the route through the capital, while the section beyond the city gradually turns into a wider thoroughfare.
Urban planner Pierre L'Enfant designed the avenue in the 1790s as a central axis connecting the executive and legislative branches of the new capital. Inaugural parades have moved along this route since the early 19th century, and it also became the site of many civic protests and memorial gatherings.
The section in front of the White House remains closed to vehicles, while pedestrians use the plaza to take photos or rest on the benches. The name recalls the colony William Penn founded in the 17th century, connecting two founding locations in American history.
Several metro stations line the route, including Federal Triangle, Archives, and Capitol South, making it easy to reach different points. During public events or security measures, parts of the street may be temporarily closed, so checking current notices before visiting is helpful.
A parade of Ringling Brothers elephants marched along the route in 1913, ending a tradition that had been common at inaugurations for several decades. Today, only historical photos recall this unusual procession that once drew thousands of onlookers.
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