Columbia Island

Columbia Island is an artificial island in the Potomac River near downtown Washington, featuring walking paths and open green spaces throughout its grounds. The landscape includes trees, lawns, and trails that lead to the memorial and follow the river's edge.

The federal government created the island between 1911 and 1927 by depositing dredged material from the Potomac River to form a western bridge approach. This land-building project was part of broader efforts to reshape Washington's waterfront and improve urban connections.

The Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial on the island honors seafarers through a sculptural installation that visitors encounter while walking the grounds. The island itself serves as a commemorative space where people can engage with American maritime heritage.

The island is accessible from the Arlington Memorial Bridge and from multiple entry points on the Virginia side, with various pathways for different walking routes. Visiting during spring and summer makes the most of the flowering plants and pleasant weather for strolling.

A large-scale planting effort in the late 1960s introduced one million daffodils and thousands of dogwood trees to the island's landscape. This botanical investment continues to shape the visual character of the grounds, particularly in spring.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1916

GPS coordinates: 38.88230,-77.05720

Latest update: December 21, 2025 16:05