The senior class recently returned from their trip to Washington, D.C. Here are a few interesting facts about some of the sights they saw on the National Mall. 

Jefferson Memorial

Photo credit: Sarah Goshorn

The original statue of Thomas Jefferson in the Jefferson Memorial was made of plaster due to rationing during WWII. The architecture of the building, like Jefferson’s home, is based on Roman architecture. 

MLK Memorial

Photo credit: Hailie Shertzer

Photo credit: Brandi Owens

The statue of MLK was actually made in China.

Washington Monument

Photo credit: Josie Rice 

As it stands right now, the Washington Monument is incomplete according to its original plans. It was supposed to include more columns and a statue of George Washington. 

Photo credit: Mrs. Plesce

The Washington Monument was also the tallest building in the world when it was built.

Lincoln Memorial

Photo credit: Josie Rice

There are 36 columns to represent the number of states in the union at the time of Lincoln's death. 
There is actually a “typo” on the Lincoln Memorial: where there should be an “F” in his second inaugural address, an “E” was accidentally carved but later fixed. 

FDR Memorial

Photo credit: Pam Zeiders

This memorial is unconventional due to the fact that it tells the story of Franklin Roosevelt's presidency every year from 1933 to his death in 1945. It contains many of Roosevelt's most famous quotes through different parts of his 4 terms as president. 

Photo credit: Pam Zeiders

This is also the only monument in DC that was designed specifically keeping handicap accessibility in mind. 

Vietnam Wall

 Photo credit: Hailie Shertzer

The Vietnam wall contains the name of every American who died in the Vietnam conflict. It is custom to leave gifts or personal effects under the name of a friend or relative. 

Iwo Jima Monument

Photo credit: Hailie Shertzer

This is modeled after the famous picture of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima to honor all marines. The monument has 6 men raising the flag, but there are 13 hands. The extra hand is symbolic of the hand of God helping soldiers through battle.