• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Start

Looks like you found me! Just walk to the end of this street and start heading down the steps.

• Distance : 0.52
• Attraction : Landmark

Here we are at Spanish Steps. This is a true hidden gem in the city. It’s an example of the contributions from the height of the City Beautiful movement in Washington D.C. back in 1911. It is an homage to the original Spanish Steps in Europe. Not sure why the ones in Europe were built, but these ones were originally built to provide pedestrians a link between S St NW and Decatur Pl on an area too steep for vehicles and carriages to climb at the time. The Spanish Steps were designed by architect Robert E. Cook. He was born, raised and died in Washington DC. Hey, did you see the oval shaped basin and the lion head fountain at the top of the steps? Notice all of the magnolia trees, eastern red cedars, oaks, and other flowering trees and pretty flowers that have been planted here. It really is a peaceful little escape from the city. Relax and enjoy before we kick it into touring gear. Then, head south on 22nd and meet me at the corner of Decatur Place.

• Distance : 0.06
• Attraction : Directions

Here’s where we turn left on Decatur. Across the street from you is the Embassy of the Dominican Republic. Look for the blue, red and white flag. Embassies are important because they are the official points of contact between a foreign government and the country that hosts them. Ambassadors serve as the personal representative of the heads of government; in the US that is the president. Embassies allow various departments of their government to handle a variety of diplomacy. For example in an American embassy it is common for them to host the FBI, the military, ministry of trade and commerce, and even tax collectors. Ok, keep heading east on Decatur and I’ll meet you in a minute.

• Distance : 0.02
• Attraction : Church

Let’s stop here for a minute at this grey stone building on your left. Do you know who the 31st president of the United States was? It was Herbert Hoover. Here’s a little factoid for ya. Herbert Hoover was a Quaker, and this building is where President Hoover and his wife Lou Henry Hoover worshipped when they were in Washington. It was built in 1930 and was actually a gift to the Friends Meeting of Washington from a Rhode Island Quaker. The unique grey stone on this building is called Foxcroft stone and since the quarry from whence it came is no longer running, this building is really one of a kind. Inside the building is nothing fancy since Quakers use these buildings to withdraw from the world. There are long wooden benches for worshipers to sit and ponder life. There are no prepared lectures, no altars, no organ. Silence is the basis for worship here. Check out their worship schedule and give it a try! It is open to all. Keep heading east.

• Distance : 0.06
• Attraction : Garden

We need to turn right here but if you look to your left you can see a bit of the beautiful gardens of the Friends Meeting. They host all sorts of banquets, corporate events and weddings here. It’s pretty. Ok, head south on Florida. We’ve got some cool embassies to see on R Street. It’s at the next corner.

• Distance : 0.03
• Attraction : Directions

Here’s R Street. Go ahead and turn right. Our next stop is just a few houses down on the right.

• Distance : 0.04
• Attraction : Historic home

Our next stop is the house on your right at 2131 R St NW. It’s made out of white brick and has glass double doors as an entrance. Do you know who the 32nd President of the United States was? It was Franklin Delano Roosevelt and this is the house he lived in with his wife Eleanor before he became the president of the United States. Did you know that he was the only president to be elected to four terms? It’s true. He came into office after beating Herbert Hoover. Back then the country was struggling during the Great Depression. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or FDR as he is often called, started what was known as the New Deal, which was the first welfare system in the US. He also played a role in both World Wars I and II as a leader of the U.S. allies. Unfortunately he didn’t get to see the end of the war because he died from complications of polio just before the official end of the war. There is a marker outside the front door that acknowledges Franklin and Eleanor’s residency here. Currently it is used as the home of the Mali ambassador. Ok, keep heading west on R St NW and let’s check out some embassies. It’s fun to look for and count all the cool different flags on the buildings. I’ll meet you at the end of this block.

• Distance : 0.03
• Attraction : Embassies

Alright. The embassy of Bulgaria is on your left. It’s pretty cool. Look for the white, green and red flag. The embassy of Brazil is on your right. Let’s cross over 22nd St, heading west, and continue seeing some Embassies on R. St NW.

• Distance : 0.06
• Attraction : Embassies

On the left side of the street are the embassies of Zambia, Niger, and Guatemala. On the right hand side of the street you will find the embassy of Cyprus, the embassy of Armenia and the Embassy of Kenya. Look for all the different country’s flags. See if you can locate all of them. I’ll meet back up with you near the Embassy of Kenya at 2249 R St where we will then go left toward a cool park that I want to show you.

• Distance : 0.10
• Attraction : Embassies

I hope you’ve seen some cool embassies so far. It’s time to turn left and head into Sheridan Circle Park. Use the crosswalk to find your way into the middle of the park. I’m gonna teach you something about a statue. As you are making your way to the statue in the middle of the park, look around for some more embassies. Again, look for the flags. Among them you should find the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, the Embassy of Latvia and the embassy of Romania. Oh, the statue you are walking to is of Philip Sheridan and Winchester. I need you to meet me in front of Winchester’s nose. I’ll let you guess if Winchester is the horse or the rider.

• Distance : 0.01
• Attraction : Circle and Statue

You found Winchester’s nose! That man on the horse is General Philip Sheridan. But I really like horses so I’m gonna tell you about the horse first. This was General Sheridan’s trusty steed Rienzi and the bronze sculpture depicts the scene of these two partners gathering troops during the Battle of Cedar Creek in 1864. Wait! Didn’t I say the horse’s name was WInchester? Well, they had just raced 20 miles from Winchester, Virginia to reach this battle. To give honor to his brave horse after winning the battle, General Sheridan renamed him Winchester. Good old Winchester passed away in 1878 and Sheridan had him stuffed and mounted. You can go check him out at the National Museum of American History. Now onto the General. He was only 5 ft 5 inches tall. Abraham Lincoln described him as “A brown, chunky little chap, with a long body, short legs, not enough neck to hang him, and such long arms that if his ankles itch he can scratch them without stooping.” Real nice, Abe. General Sheridan spent his life serving in the United States military as an army officer and then as a Union general in the American Civil War. He was a close friend of General-in-chief Ulysses S. Grant. It was Sheridan’s cavalry that chased Gen Robert E. Lee and forced his surrender at Appomattox. A little interesting history of the statue itself - The original design was done by Sheridan’s friend John Quincy Adams Ward. But Sheridan’s wife Irene HATED it, saying it looked like a “stout old officer atop a stilted horse”. The job was later given to Gutzon Borglum who is best known for his sculpt work at Mount Rushmore. Irene LOVED Borglum’s design of her late husband and trusty steed and the statue was completed and then dedicated in 1908. To get out of this circle, you are going to exit on Massachusetts Ave,heading east. That’s the direction that Sheridan and Reinzi are facing. Meet me at the Embassy of Ireland at 2234 Massachusetts Ave NW and please be on the right hand side of the street.

• Distance : 0.09
• Attraction : Embassy

Ireland! There you are! Looks like you found your way out of the circle! We are gonna visit another statue now so keep walking east on Massachusetts. You need to be on the right hand side of the road. As you walk, look around for more embassies. The Embassies of Greece, Turkmenistan, The Bahamas, Togo and Sudan are all along our way here. When you get to 22nd St NW, cross the street and meet me at the bronze statue at the tiny triangle shaped park. I’ll tell you all about it when you get there.

• Distance : 0.29
• Attraction : Directions

How many embassy flags did you see? What was your favorite embassy? Cool. Cross over 22nd Street.

• Distance : 0.06
• Attraction : Statue

Looks like you made it. This statue is of the chief founder and first president of Czechoslovakia, named Tomas Garrige Masaryk. Not sure I said that correctly, but let’s go with it. He was born in the poor working class, which at the time, was part of the Austro-Hangarian Empire - or what is now known as the Czech Republic. SPOILER ALERT - let me put it this way, if it weren’t for Tomas, there might not be an independent Czeck Republic. It started when Tomas was 32-years-old and founded Athenaeum, a magazine devoted to Czech culture. Not being one to beat around the bush, in the very first issue, Tomas challenged the validity of documents, supposedly dating from the early middle ages, that provided a false nationalistic basis of Czech chauvinism, which was fostered by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Basically, he was telling the people in charge that they were arrogant, self-centered, and not better than anyone else. Yeah...this did not go over so well. By the time the First World War broke out, Tomas decided the best course of action was to seek independence for Czechs and Slovaks from Austria-Hungary. Over the next four years, Tomas was able to build a legion of about 40,000 troops, with the help of his European and American counterespionage networks, along with the Russians, to fight against Austria. With the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Tomas was recognized as the head of the Provisional Czechoslovak government. On November 14th of that year, he was officially elected Pres. of the Czech Republic by the National Assembly. Who better to dedicate a statue to, then a boy born in the poorest part of town, who fought to liberate his people, and became the President of the new, independent, Czech Republic. And interesting enough, Tomas modeled the Czechoslovak Declaration of Independence closely to the U.S. Declaration. That’s right he did. When you are done here, keep walking east to 2118 Massachusetts Ave NW.

• Distance : 0.03
• Attraction : Historic building

Check out this really cool building with arches and a balcony, on your right. This building is known as the Anderson House, which is a museum that hosts, among other things, some of the world’s greatest collections of books and manuscripts illuminating the history of the War of Independence. It is also the headquarters for The Society of Cincinnati, founded in 1783, which is the nation’s oldest patriotic organization. What’s really cool is one of the beginning members of the society was...wait for it...George Washington!! He was actually the first president general of the society. Hmmm, maybe that was like a practice run at being President. Clearly he nailed it. But before this house became the headquarters for the Society, it was the humble abode of Larz and Isabel Anderson. And by humble abode I mean, a fifty-room mansion that included a walled garden, a tennis court, three-story carriage house and stable, carved wood walls, gilded papier-mache ceilings, iron staircases, marble floors, and did I mention the two elevators??? Pretty sure not many people had elevators in their houses over 200 years ago. Here’s a little crazy fact to put it into perspective: The Anderson’s built this 45,000 sq ft home and only paid $750,000 to do it. But today, if you go just a couple of blocks down Massachusetts Avenue, you’ll find a townhome, approximately ⅛ the size of the Anderson’s house, selling for $8.5 million dollars - and the townhome doesn’t even have an elevator! The Anderson House itself was completed in the Spring of 1905 and is known to be one of the capital city’s most fashionable mansions. If you have time, definitely go inside and explore this museum and see the historic books, manuscripts, maps, paintings, sculptures and other historical artifacts. Although, once inside, maybe use the staircase ...not sure you want to get in a 214-year-old elevator - but that’s just me. When you’re done here, look across the street and find the statue of Gandhi. It’s before you get to the next block.

• Distance : 0.04
• Attraction : Statue

You hear about people whose lives were greatly impacted by someone or something that it inspired them, making them want to be a better person. Mahatma Gandhi is one such person, and there’s a neat statue of him right across the street. I think pretty much everyone in the world has heard of this guy, but to summarize, his full given name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and he was born into a Hindu family in Western India. He was a lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and a political ethicist. Yeah, he wanted ethics in politics. Now there’s an idea! He worked in a British colony in South Africa back in 1893 where he witnessed the abuse of Indian settlers by the Europeans. That was his push into politics to fight for Indian rights.He was famous for being a peaceful protestor and led major protests between 1920 and 1942. His non-violent protests eventually led to his country’s independence. Unfortunately he was assassinated in 1948, but his legacy carries on. Let’s keep walking down Massachusetts Avenue and cross over 21st street. Our next embassy is one of my favorites.

• Distance : 0.04
• Attraction : Embassy

Take a look at the huge building on your right. That is the Embassy of Indonesia. It is impressive from the side facing 21st street as well, so feel free to make a quick detour to see it from that angle if you want. Now, not only is this a massive behemoth of a building, it’s got a pretty cool history. Long, long ago, when all the cool kids were building their homes, this cool kid was not to be outdone. It was 1901 when an Irish man named Thomas Walsh decided to build a home for his daughter, Evalyn. I mean, what doesn’t say, “You’re my favorite child” like a 60-room house in Washington, DC? So Evalyn gets this beautiful house and eventually marries Edward McLean, whose family owned the Washington Post, not that that really matters, I just thought I’d throw that in, not like it’s really NEWS worthy. See what I did there? Back to the newly wed couple. Can you imagine the kind of pressure Edward must have been under to not only impress his new father-in-law, but to also impress his new beautiful bride? While others might be a little intimidated, Edward McLean was not. He simply used one of the rooms in the home to give Evalyn, the one and only, drum roll please…..Hope Diamond. Seriously. The actual Hope Diamond. Evalyn Walsh McLean was the last private owner of that beautiful, infamous necklace. Over the years, the home was eventually used by different government agencies. The Red Cross was the last organization to use the home before it was purchased, in 1951, for Indonesia. Keep walking and I’ll show you the statue here that I really like.

• Distance : 0.05
• Attraction : Statue

Here she is! This is Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom and nature, representing free flow of wisdom and consciousness. She is calmly watching the three children at her feet while they are studying. Her vehicle of choice is either a swan or peacock. This statue portrays a swan. She has four arms, which represent mind, intellect, ego and consciousness. All that and she is also managing to hold a veena, which is like a lute, a book, and some mala beads. Lots to look at here, so give it a few minutes and then let’s keep heading east. There’s a mansion up ahead that you need to see.

• Distance : 0.13
• Attraction : Mansion

As you near the next intersection, you’ll see a very old, tall, historic house on your right. It was built from 1881-1882, and what’s crazy to me is that it’s famously known as the James G. Blaine Mansion. To be clear, while Blaine was the first resident of the home, he only lived there for one year! Sure, his claim to fame was he served as Secretary of State under President Garfield and President Harrison, but still, he only lived here for one year. After he left, there have been numerous tenants, and I’m not talking about the Smith’s or the Jones’s, I’m talking about the new headquarters for the United Service Club, eventually being leased by the Japanese Embassy for their ambassador and staff’s headquarters during a conference, to name a few, and in more recent years, it has been used for commercial purposes. People forget I even lived in the neighborhood five minutes after I’ve moved, yet this home is still known for its one-year resident, from over 200 years ago. Hat’s off to you, James G. Blaine. Please meet me at the corner of 20th street.

• Distance : 0.09
• Attraction : Directions

So Dupont circle is just up ahead but I need you to be patient! That’s where we will END the tour so don’t just go running out in traffic to get there. We have some really amazing sites to see first so please turn right here. When you get to P Street, just go ahead and cross over toward Second Story Books. Oh, before you cross over, just so you know, there is a Pizza Paradiso restaurant on the corner. I love their pizza and craft beers on draft! Just sayin.

• Distance : 0.19
• Attraction : Book store

This bookstore was purchased in 1973 by Allan Stypeck and has grown from its small second floor location in northwest Washington DC to become one of the largest used and rare bookstores in the world. It has been cited as one of the ten best bookstores in the country by USA Today and is frequently cited as one of the best bookstores in the Washington metropolitan area by Washingtonian Magazine, The City Paper, and various consumer polls, marking its 40th anniversary in 2018. Second Story Books works along with government and private institutions, colleges, and universities to help build their special collections through donation or purchase. Additionally, they provide books and other items from their collection for motion picture production companies, home builders to enhance their model homes, interior design firms, senior living facilities, home furnishing retailers to complement store displays, and hotel lobby decor. So when you see a book sitting in a random model home or movie on the big screen, it may have come from Second Story Books! Step inside the bookstore and see what gems you can find in there! Then we are going to head west on P Street, away from Dupont Circle. Don’t worry, we will be back over in this area in a little bit!

• Distance : 0.22
• Attraction : Directions

I’m gonna need you to turn left on Hopkins Street. Thanks.

• Distance : 0.20
• Attraction : More tours!

Well as long as I’ve got your ear, let me tell you about a few other tours that UCPlaces has to offer you right here in Washington DC. Over in the Georgetown area we have a spooky Ghost Tour that includes the Exorcist Steps that were made famous in the 1980’s thriller The Exorcist. There’s also a Dumbarton Oaks tour, which has some very interesting and beautiful 18th and 19th century stops, along with a pretty amazing ice cream place. We also have a driving tour that covers most of the major bridges going from Virginia to DC and back, along with some fantastic sites along the way. Thirsty? We have a distillery tour in the up and coming Ivy City area of DC. Lot’s of free alcohol samples on that tour. Do horse statues interest you? We’ve got a tour for that. Ever wanted a quick tour to show you where all the cool stuff is at the National Mall? We have one of those too. Actually, if you haven’t scrolled through all our UCPlaces tours, you are missing out. Get it together. I’d love to just keep showing you around. When you get to O Street, look for cars and then j walk across the street. You didn’t hear me say that.

• Distance : 0.05
• Attraction : Mansion

I think the history of this giant building straight ahead of you is pretty awesome. It’s known as the Mansion on O Street. Back in 1892, when this was just a plot of land, Edward Clark designed a cluster of three row houses for himself, two brothers, and a sister. The siblings all wanted their own home, hence the row houses, but they also wanted to hang out and see each other without having to go outside and knock on their door. Clark’s ingenious mind came up with the solution that the residences could connect through the basement and the main floor, but kept the third floor separate so they could still have their privacy. Go figure that one out. Just under 100 years later, H.H. Leonards purchased the connected brownstones and renovated it into a bed-and-breakfast and private club. Now that’s awesome! But it gets even better. A few years later Leonards bought the entire O Street, you heard me right, O street. I’ve never gone street shopping before, I wonder if it’s fun or exhausting, and do you have to have street insurance, is there even such a thing as street insurance. These are the questions that will keep me up at night as I imagine what street I might want to buy. Anyway, back to O street. Eventually Leonards combined all the townhomes to be administered under his non-profit membership association. In 1998 Leonards opened the O Street Museum that not only has all kinds of cool art, sculptures, music, and memorabilia, but it also hosts concerts, book signings, and film screenings. As if the Museum wasn’t enough, you’ve got to see inside the Mansion on O Street. It has this crazy awesome eccentric styling of different architectural, artistic, and design periods. The best part – this mansion incorporates maze-like passageways and secret rooms behind hidden doors. And when you fall in love with this place, which you will, you don’t have to be too sad when you leave, because this place can go with you! Ok, not the whole place, but all the furnishings, fixtures, and decorative items within the rooms can be purchased!!! I’m thinking this place should be at the top of the list of places to visit when in D.C., right?? Ok, let’s go see a teeny tiny park with a big name. Please turn left and head toward New Hampshire Avenue. Go ahead and cross over 20th Street.

• Distance : 0.06
• Attraction : Park

Ok, look at the small garden in the triangle shaped median to your right. If you haven’t noticed spots like that before, keep an eye out for them. They are all over DC. The DC department of parks and recreation wanted communities to feel like they were contributing to the city by being able to adopt one of these grassy areas. The normal agreement is for one year, and that person or business is responsible to design the landscape and take care of it throughout the year. This particular park you’re looking at was adopted by Geary Simon in 1998, shortly after his friend, Sonny Bono, passed away. It is said that Simon poured tens of thousands of dollars on this little parcel of land for grass to be planted, bushes, a tree, along with these little square benches people would call Chers, instead of chairs. Quite the punny community. See what I did there? It’s all about the laughs or rolling of the eyes, I’ll take either. The last little treasure I’ll tell you about is literally a treasure. Underneath the round plaque at the entrance dedicated to Sonny, is a manhole-shape vault! What could be in it you ask? The rumor is that Simon once said the vault contains Sonny’s congressional cufflinks, along with sheet music for Sonny and Cher’s 1967 hit, “The Beat Goes On.” So from here it shouldn’t be hard to notice that huge castle-looking building with the green copper roof. That’s where we are headed. Take the crosswalk over and I’ll meet you there.

• Distance : 0.03
• Attraction : Mansion

This massive piece of history is one of the oldest Victorian homes in the area. It is known as the Heurich House Museum. Yeah, it's a museum, among other things, so you can go inside and check it out. Before I tell you about the home, let me tell you a little bit about its owner, Christian Heurich, while you take in this extraordinary place. Christian immigrated to America, Maryland to be precise, in 1866, only 24-years-old with nothing but $200 in his pocket. But he was used to surviving on his own, as he was orphaned when he was only fourteen years old. His decision to come to America forever changed his life, and the lives of generations to come. I know that sounds dramatic, but seriously, this guy was legit. At one point he owned more land than any other land-owner in all of Washington, DC. The beginning of his claim to fame was in 1872, when he went into business with a guy named Paul Ritter. Together, they leased a brewery in downtown, NW Washington, D.C. Now here’s where it gets interesting...within a year of signing on as partners, and leasing a brewery, which was doing quite well I might add, Mr. Ritter dies! Natural causes, accident, foul play, we’ll never know. So, Paul dies, which dissolves the partnership, leaving Christian sole owner of the brewery. Interesting. And if that wasn’t enough, Christian immediately marries Paul’s now widowed wife, Amelia. What??? Then the next year, Amelia dies of pneumonia. What some might call karma, others might call a tragic ending to true love, we’ll just never know. I’m leaning towards true love, because the first time around, he married pretty quick, but this time around it takes this very eligible bachelor three years before he remarries. It was for this wife, Mathilde (Matilda) he built the lavish mansion you see before you. This guy doesn’t mess around - the mansion had full indoor plumbing (reason enough to marry him right there), central vacuum system, (I don’t get it, 150 years ago Mathilde has access to a central vacuum system, and I’m still using a regular one. It’s just wrong). And did I mention the elevator shaft with no elevator? Hmmm, it does make you wonder...why the elevator shaft with no elevator? Easy access to an “accident” waiting to happen, or does he just like to build things he never plans on using? He did go to extreme lengths in making the home completely fireproof, yet he had 15 fireplaces throughout the house that were never actually used. You should definitely take the time to walk through this beautiful victorian home and take in the hand-painted ceiling canvases and room after room of original items from Heurich’s family collections. Just when you thought it was all blue skies from here out, life would deal Christian a harsh blow eight years later. His wife, Mathilde, dies. History says she died due to “miscarriage and a carriage accident.” Seriously, that’s how it’s worded, “miscarriage and a carriage accident.” Did the carriage accident cause the miscarriage, or did the misscarriage cause the carriage accident. Sooo many carriages sooo many unanswered questions. At this point, Christian has had enough and throws himself into his work. In 1894 he opened his new brewery, which had a capacity for 500,000 barrels of beer a year. I soooo want to be this guy’s best friend. The Christian Heurich Brewing Company became the second largest employer in Washington D.C. Our boy was creating an empire in the capital city. Eventually, Christian does remarry...a much younger woman, 20 years younger. If that wasn’t scandalous enough...she was the niece of his first wife. Come on Christian, your niece? Pull yourself together. Regardless, they seemed happy enough, they had four children together and stayed married the rest of Chirstian’s life. All 102 years of it. Yes, you heard me correctly, he was 102-years-old when he died, making him the world’s oldest brewer to date. Hashtag life goals. When Christian’s wife, Amelia, eventually passed away in 1956, the home was willed to the Historical Society of Washington D.C. It served as their headquarters until 2003, when two of Christian’s grandchildren purchased the home, and made it into the functioning museum we see today. Before we head to our next destination, here’s one last interesting fact. The actual brewery, the one he opened in 1894, was located along the Potomac River in Foggy Bottom, but in 1962 it was torn down and replaced with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Arts over beer? I’m not sure I support that decision. And frankly, I’m pretty sure Christian wouldn’t support that decision either. What about you? Team Art or Team Beer? Or maybe Team Beer, while looking at Art? It’s all about the loopholes, my friend. I mean, we are in DC, where we know our loopholes. Ok my fellow explorers, let’s keep moving. See the pointy green copper part of the roof? Head that direction, toward Sutherland Place, and then cross over Sutherland.

• Distance : 0.07
• Attraction : Mural

Please turn left. I’m gonna show you a mural. You can probably see it from here as you look down Sunderland Place. It’s called the Toy Theater and it was created in 2011 by artist Peter Waddell. He was inspired by memories of a toy theater that he had as a child. You know, there are murals all around DC. And guess what, UCPlaces has a tour for them!! You really really need to scroll through our tours on the app. We have so many! Ok, keep walking toward 19th Street.

• Distance : 0.05
• Attraction : Directions

How about we turn right here? I think that’s a great idea. And I think we should cross over N Street when we get there.

• Distance : 0.64
• Attraction : Directions

Hi! Let’s turn left. Do you need tacos? I always do. Let’s walk.

• Distance : 0.52
• Attraction : Restaurant

Got tacos on your mind? Me too. The Surfside restaurant on your right has a fantastic selection of tacos just waiting for you. They also have burritos, bowls, salads, fajita boxes, enchiladas and more. Don’t feel bad if you need to take a quick taco stop. I’ll wait for you in front of the John Witherspoon Statue that you will see if you just keep walking. It’s gonna be right after you cross Connecticut Avenue.

• Distance : 0.44
• Attraction : Statue

May I present, John Knox Witherspoon! Feel free to walk around and see his face. We don’t want to talk behind anyone’s back. Ha ha. Ok, he was a scottish born minister, an influential professor, and as most people know him, one of the signers of The Declaration of Independence. But I’m going to tell you a little more about this great man standing in front of you...well, a statue of a great man standing in front of you, that is. Witherspoon was born in Scotland in 1723. His father was a well respected reverend, so it’s not surprising that John followed in his father’s footsteps later in life. In fact, when John was only 23-years-old he became a minister for a presbyterian church, the Church of Scotland. In 1966, Witherspoon was approached by two men asking him to come to America to be the president and head professor at a small college, whose primary purpose was to train ministers. It was the Presbyterian College of New Jersey, to be precise. Well, John declined the offer. Ugh! John, what were you thinking??? I know you think I’m being a little dramatic, but him never coming to that small college could have had a MAJOR impact on life as we know it. Thankfully, two years later he changed his mind. Which brings us to 1768 when the two men approached John again, and this time, Witherspoon said yes! Because of that one decision, the future of America was influenced in a very important way. Because of that one decision, at the age of 45, John became the sixth president of this small college in New Jersey, a college that due to his influential direction, later became the one and only…. anyone? Anyone? I’m talking about the one and only, Princeton University. It wasn’t an easy transition. Upon his arrival, Witherspoon found the school in debt, with weak leadership, and a library collection which clearly failed to meet student needs. How could the students be expected to learn, if they had no books to learn from? Not one to give up easily, he immediately began fund-raising, not just locally, but back home in Scotland as well, and eventually he was able to add three hundred books to the library, and was able to begin purchasing scientific equipment, along with many other much needed school materials. But he didn’t stop there. Once the school was properly equipped, it was time to get serious. Witherspoon began instituting a number of reforms. Starting with modeling the syllabus, along with the university’s structure, after ones used at the University of Edinburgh and other well known Scottish universities. He was set on making this school great, and that meant having students who were serious about their future. So he firmed up the entrance requirements, thus eliminating those who were looking for an easy, free pass through life. By doing all of this, John was able to transform a failing college into a University that would compete with Harvard AND Yale for scholars. Let me give you some examples of the scholars he inspired and equipped to become future leaders. Leaders who would play a prominent role in this new nation’s development. I’m talking about James Madison, Aaron Burr, Philip Freneau, William Bradford, and Hugh Henry Brackenridge, to name a few. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, there were also 37 judges (three of whom became justices of the U.S. Supreme Court), 10 Cabinet officers, 12 members of the Continental Congress, 28 U.S. senators, and 49 United States congressmen that came from this College. Wow John Witherspoon, way to go! When you’re ready, let's cross over 18th and keep walking along N Street. A famous Inn is next on our tour.

• Distance : 0.09
• Attraction : Inn

Check out Old Tabard Inn on your left. This famous place opened in 1922 and as far as continuously running hotels go, this one is the oldest in all of DC! Ever heard of Chaucer’s Canterbury tales? That’s where the original owner, Marie Willoughby Rogers, got the idea for the name of the inn. Old Tabard Inn was originally a hot spot for social gatherings and afternoon tea. Then it served as a boarding house for Navy Women. Edward and Fritzi Cohen bought the place in 1975 and have preserved its original intent. No TV’s in the bedrooms, Everything made from scratch in the kitchen from local farmers. Staying here is definitely a unique, country inn experience in the middle of the city.

• Distance : 0.03
• Attraction : Embassy

Here at the corner across 17th Street and on your left is the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines. Can you find their flag? It’s blue and red and white with a little yellow sun. Did you know that the Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world? And as far as the weather there goes, the best time to visit is November through February, before the summer hits and the typhoons start hitting the shores. Make note of that. You don’t want to accidentally end up there during typhoon season. See that statue up ahead? That’s where we are headed next.

• Distance : 0.03
• Attraction : Statue

Who is Daniel Webster and why is there a statue of him? I’ll tell you. Oh and by the way, feel free to walk around and see what he looks like from the front,– Daniel Webster was a pretty big deal in his day. And by “in his day” I mean the early 1800’s. Webster’s career in government started when he held office in the United States House of Representatives. Later on he became a leading attorney before the Supreme Court of the United States. I’m talking about winning cases like Dartmouth College v. Woodward – which ultimately led to the rise of the American free enterprise system. He also won the McCulloch V. Maryland case, which proved to be a powerful moment in federalism, which forms the balance between federal powers and state powers. Eventually Webster was drawn back to the government side of things and became a US Senator under President John Quincy Adams. While in the senate, he and Senator Robert Y. Hayne had one of the most famous debates in the US Senate, ever. During this debate, Webster gave what is known as the “Second Reply to Hayne” which is now regarded as “the most eloquent speech ever delivered in Congress.” In fact, his description of the US government was “made for the people, made by the people, and answerable to the people.” So beautifully stated that even Abraham Lincoln paraphrased it in the Gettysburg Address as “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Makes sense why we’d have a memorial built to honor someone who made such an impact on America’s history and ultimately, it’s future. See that statue in the middle of that circle ahead? It’s on the other side of Daniel Webster. Well that is General Winfield Scott and this statue is infamous with horse sculpture historians for being the WORST horse and rider statue in all of Washington DC. Why? Hmmm… I’d love to tell you, but UCPlaces actually has a tour with all the information you could ever want on the subject. Yup, we actually offer a Horse Statues in DC tour that will fill you in on the wonderful and wacky history of these horse statues that are sprinkled all over DC. Check it out soon! But for now, you need to head west on Massachusetts Avenue, away from the horse statue and Daniel Webster. If you are still on Bataan Street, you will be turning left.

• Distance : 0.06
• Attraction : Directions

Ok, we are on our way to see the next embassy. It’s just past 17th Street on your left.

• Distance : 0.03
• Attraction : Embassy

Here we go - the Peruvian Embassy. Did you know that the United States has had a pretty solid diplomatic relationship with Peru since 1826? It’s true. Check out their flag though because it’s pretty cool. Massive creativity with this one. First, you’ve got the vicuna (vi-coon-yuh), which is kind of like a llama, standing next to a cinchona tree (siN-cone-yuh) which is a source of quinine, above a cornucopia full of gold coins, surrounded by a green wreath. So basically, we’ve got an enchanted forest protecting a llama who’s immune to malaria, sitting on some serious cash. Sounds good to me. What would your flag look like if you create one just for yourself?

• Distance : 0.09
• Attraction : Consulate buildings

As we walk toward our next embassy, see if you can locate the Consulate of Columbia and the Consulate of Chile. Notice I called them consulates and not embassies. So what’s the difference? I’m glad you asked. An embassy is the main location while a consulate is like a branch office. Typically the embassy deals with political and diplomatic relations while consulate workers are more suited to handle immigration issues. So there ya go.

• Distance : 0.07
• Attraction : Embassy

The Embassy of Uzbekistan is on your left. Look for the blue, white and green flag. This flag was created in 1991 to replace the flag of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. The blue in the flag is a symbol of the sky and water. Peace, purity and kindness are symbolized in white, while the green is a symbol of diversity. If you squint your eyes, can you see Dupont Circle up ahead? No? Keep walking.

• Distance : 0.30
• Attraction : Directions

How about now? Can you see Dupont Circle? There’s a fountain in the middle of it. Keep walking.

• Distance : 0.37
• Attraction : Directions

There’s no way you can’t see Dupont Circle now. Take the crosswalk to the right and then to the left to get into the circle. Then follow that straight path right into the middle. I’m gonna meet you at the fountain.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Fountain

So how did Dupont Circle come to be? In 1871, the Army Corps of Engineers constructed this circle, following plans drawn up by L’Enfant. They named it Pacific Circle, which doesn’t really fit, right? It’s like coming up with a name for your baby and then when he’s born, you’re like, yeah, he definitely doesn’t look like a Vladamir, more like a Gus. Thankfully Congress decided to rename the intersection, Dupont Circle, and eventually recognize the service of Rear Admiral Samuel Du Pont, in the Civil War.. In 1917 the Dupont Family commissioned to have the Fountain built to honor their patriarch. And who do you commission when you want something really memorable...how about the same team that collaborated to construct the Lincoln Memorial. You’ll notice three classical figures in the fountain that represent the Arts of Ocean Navigation - the Sea, the Stars, and the Wind. Fair warning, the statues are a little PG-13, but only because nudity is considered “art” nowadays. First, the only dressed statue, a female figure who is holding a boat in one hand, a seagull on her left shoulder, with her foot resting on a dolphin. She represents the Sea. The Stars are represented by the nude female figure, who’s holding a globe and her face is downward. The nude male figure represents the Wind. He’s draped with a ship sail and holding a shell in his left hand to use as a horn. The inscription on the outer rim of the lower basin states: “This memorial fountain replaces a statue erected by the Congress of the United States in recognition of his distinguished services. Samuel Francis Dupont, United States Navy. 1802-1865.” Unfortunate wording, but all things considered, pretty cool startue.I’m mostly grateful the intersection is now called Dupont Circle, instead of Pacific Circle. Thank you Samuel DuPont! Whew! And just like that, we are finished with this tour! What did you learn? Quiz yourself! If you are wondering where in the world you are at this point, if you follow Connecticut Avenue north out of Dupont Circle, walk about five blocks and then turn left on S Street, that will take you right back to the top of the Spanish Steps where we began. There are also a few good restaurants along the way if you need to fill your belly. Well, I guess that’s it for now. I sure had a great time showing you around. Don’t forget that UCPlaces has many more super fun tours like this one and we keep adding more all the time. You will never get bored with us! I hope you will meet me for another tour very soon but until then, so long and happy touring!