The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with nearly 128 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 29 million books and other printed materials, 2.7 million recordings, 12 million photographs, 4.8 million maps, and 57 million manuscripts.
Thomas Jefferson-political philosopher, architect, musician, book collector, scientist, horticulturist, diplomat, inventor, and third President of the United States-looms large in any discussion of what Americans are as a people. Jefferson left to the future not only ideas but also a great body of practical achievements. President John F. Kennedy recognized Jefferson's accomplishments when he told a gathering of American Nobel Prize winners that they were the greatest assemblage of talent in the White House since Jefferson had dinner there alone. With his strong beliefs in the rights of man and a government derived from the people, in freedom of religion and the separation between church and state, and in education available to all. Thomas Jefferson struck a chord for human liberty 200 years ago that resounds through the decades. But in the end, Jefferson's own appraisal of his life, and the one that he wrote for use on his own tombstone, suffices: "Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia.
Mills achieved national prominence after being appointed (1836) architect and engineer to the federal government, in which capacity he designed this monument to the first president of the United States, George Washington.
The actual construction of the monument began in 1848 and was not completed until 1884, almost 30 years after the architect's death, due to lack of funds and the intervention of the Civil War. A difference in shading of the marble (visible approximately 150 feet up) clearly deliniates the initial construction from its resumption in 1876. It is generally considered fortunate that the Greek Doric rotunda Mills planned for the base of the monument was never built.
Union Station is the most exciting and dynamic shopping destination in the country. The quality and diversity of its stores have made it the choice of Presidents as well as millions of busy commuters and wide-eyed tourists each year.
For a tasteful break from shopping, enjoy a meal at one of our fine restaurants throughout the Station or visit the food court on the lower level with hundreds of delicious choices. For dessert, why not see a movie? A state-of-the-art, 9 screen American Multi-Cinema complex is located on the lower level, too.
The primary mission of Arlington National Cemetery is to function as the nation's premier military cemetery and shrine honoring those men and women who served in the Armed Forces. In this regard, the cemetery performs over 20 funeral services each day. The cemetery also has become an increasingly popular visitor attraction in the National Capital Area, serving approximately four million visitors annually.
John F. Kennedy, born May 29, 1917, served just two years, 10 months and two days as president, yet his grave remains among the most visited locations at Arlington. Two children who died in their infancy are interred beside him, as is his widowed first lady, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Robert F. Kennedy, to whom the family's political torch had passed, is buried nearby, also the victim of an assassin, killed in 1968 while seeking the high office of president.
