Adventures to be Had in Washington, DC Quiz

Answer: The Pentagon

The building was originally going to be built on a five-sided plot, hence the octagonal design. By the time the current site was determined, the plan was far along and President Roosevelt gave the go ahead to build the unique structure. Some of the requirements were to utilize as little steel as possible because it was needed for ships and weapons, and to limit the height to no more than four storeys tall.

This magnificent building was attacked on September 11, 2001, when hijackers flew American Airlines Flight 77 into the western side. The Pentagon Memorial was opened on September 11, 2008, for the 184 victims--including the 59 people on board the plane.

Answer: U.S. Botanic Garden

The Conservatory is separated into habitats such as the Orchid House, Desert, Hawaii, Garden Primeval, and Jungle. Bartholdi Park and the Bartholdi Fountain can be found across the street from the Conservatory. One could wander around for hours of enjoyment.

Answer: Washington Monument

Construction began in 1848 with private funding provided by the Washington National Monument Society, but was halted when funds dried up due to political changes. In 1876, Congress approved funding and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were tasked to complete the monument.

Due to the delay, another quarry was needed for the stone. A third quarry was selected before the monument was completed, and the coloration of the stones remains as a reminder.

Many folks believe that there is a law prohibiting any building to be built taller than the Washington Monument. In actual fact, there is a 1910 law which restricts (with few exceptions) a new building to be no more than 20 feet taller than the street it faces.

Answer: National Zoological Park

William Temple Hornaday was chief taxidermist at the US National Museum when he was asked to inventory the collection of American Buffalo. He travelled west in 1886 but didn't find the large herds of bison that he expected. He began bringing them and other species of animals to the National Mall, and situated behind the Smithsonian Castle, visitors could come and see these animals.

In 1889 the National Zoological Park was created by law. The park and the animals would later move to the Rock Creek Park location in 1891.

Answer: The Castle

James Smithson (c1765-1829) never visited the United States. His will left his fortune to his nephew with a stipulation that should the nephew die with out heirs, the estate was "to found in Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men."

Today the Smithsonian Institution includes many museums and research centers. The Castle contains James Smithson's crypt, the administrative offices and information center, as well as other exhibits.

Answer: Arlington National Cemetery

The land for the cemetery was captured without force, because Mary and Robert E. Lee had already left in 1861. The Union originally wanted it for its strategic placement, but eventually decided that it would be an good site for a cemetery. The first burial was in 1864.

Today there are many notable burials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It includes an unknown soldier from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. There is a crypt for the Vietnam War, but the remains there were identified and removed.

Answer: White House

Alterations have been made and then redone again many times. To list only a few: President Chester Arthur installed a fifty-foot Tiffany glass screen; President Theodore Roosevelt had the screen removed, and the office moved into the West Wing; and it wasn't until President William Taft's changes that the Oval Office was added.

Answer: The Library of Congress

The first collection at the Library of Congress was burned in 1814. Thomas Jefferson then sold his personal library to them, and most of this was destroyed in an 1851 fire.

The Library is used for research as requested by members of Congress. It is also opened to the public for research, but not checking out books.

Answer: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

President Eisenhower signed into law the creation of the National Cultural Center in 1958. The federal government would pay for the structure and the grounds, but private funding had to be provided for the arts. President Kennedy was very influential in helping to raise funds for the center, and it was renamed as a memorial to him after his assassination.

Not only are there many performances of all sorts, but they also offer many educational opportunities.

Answer: Cherry Blossom Festival

Most historical accounts of how the cherry blossoms came to DC start with Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore (1856-1928), the sister of a diplomat. Her travels to Japan prompted her to first propose planting cherry trees along the Potomac River in 1885.

In 1909 she wrote a letter to First Lady Helen Taft and that finally started the ball rolling. In a 1912 ceremony the first two trees were planted on the Tidal Basin. The first festival was held in 1934.