The Wandering Disciple

  A Symbol of Democracy Perched majestically atop Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States Capitol is more than just a government building—it’s the beating heart of American democracy. For over two centuries, this neoclassical landmark has served as the meeting place of the U.S. Congress, where the nation’s most consequential debates and decisions have unfolded. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or curious traveler, a visit to the Capitol offers a rare opportunity to step inside a working monument to freedom. A Brief Historic Overview The story of the U.S. Capitol begins in 1793 , when President George Washington laid its cornerstone. The original design, by physician-turned-architect Dr. William Thornton , was chosen through a public competition. Over the centuries, the building has evolved dramatically—through expansions, fires, and restorations—to become the iconic dome-topped structure recognized around the world today. In 1814 , during ...

  Tucked away in the quiet northwest corner of Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soldiers’ & Airmen’s Home National Cemetery is one of the most historically rich yet often overlooked national shrines in the United States. A peaceful sanctuary of remembrance, it honors over 14,000 veterans, spanning from the Civil War to modern conflicts, and offers visitors a serene, meaningful encounter with American military history. Overview Established in 1861, this cemetery is the nation’s first national military burial ground —preceding Arlington National Cemetery by several years. Though modest in scale, its legacy is immense. Located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home , the cemetery is administered by the U.S. Army and is one of only two national cemeteries under its direct oversight. Surrounded by a canopy of mature trees and historic architecture, the grounds exude a solemn dignity that invites both quiet reflection and historical curiosity. With notable residents such ...

As the warmth of late May ushers in the unofficial start of summer with gatherings, barbecues, and day in the sun, it is crucial that we pause and remember the solemn significance of Memorial Day. This is not merely another holiday marking the transition between seasons, it is a dedicated moment for profound reflection and heartfelt tribute. We honor the extraordinary bravery and ultimate sacrifice of the countless men and women who selflessly laid down their lives in defense of the freedoms and liberties we so often take for granted. Their courage, unwavering commitment to duty, and profound love for their country serve as a powerful reminder of the cost of our security and the precious nature of our democratic ideals. On this Memorial Day, let us ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten, and that we actively engage in remembrance, gratitude, and a renewed appreciation for the principles they fought to uphold.  Taken: December 30, 2022 at US Soldiers & Airmen's Home Natio...

Out of the mountains of despair, a stone of hope. This line of Dr Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech is the inspiration behind the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial in Washington DC. The giant carving of Dr King pays tribute to the civil rights giant and includes quotes from some of his famous speeches.  Today our nation pauses and pays tribute to Dr King and his fight for equality. The third Monday of January has been observed to honor Dr King and his accomplishments in the battle for civil rights.  Taken: December 26, 2022 at Martin Luther King Jr Memorial (Washington, DC)

As the sun sets over the capital city, the historic landmarks of the city become painted with light.  As the lights turn on across Washington DC, the iconic monuments take on a new appearance under the glow of the spot lights.  Here is Washington Monument lit up at night.  Built as a memorial for George Washington, the monument stands 555 feet tall and is the tallest structure in our nation's capitol.   Taken: December 25, 2022 at Washington Monument (Washington, DC)

Washington, DC:  For our final road trip of 2022, we had originally planned on hitting up the Smokies for the holidays.  However a last minute change in plans rerouted us to our nation's capital and a holiday trip to Washington DC for a week of exploring the city and its museums and memorials as well as a few day trips to the surrounding areas. We hit the road under the cover of darkness, leaving the house a little past midnight.  We had a 14+ hour road trip in front of us and figured might as well get started while everyone is still sleeping.  I preplanned our route to ensure there was plenty of places to refuel and get food since we are travelling on Christmas Day.  So northbound we went, headed to DC. The decision to leave early was a good one.  Traffic was very light on the first stage of the trip, in fact when we reached I-10 in North Florida we only encountered one truck from US-301 to I-95!  We headed into Georgia and attempted to stop at Huddle...

A Four-Sided Pyramid rises out of the garden at the National Gallery of Art on the National Mall in Washington DC. The pyramid was designed by American artist Sol LeWitt in 1965. It was constructed in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in 1999.   The Four-Sided Pyramid is one of 21 works of art found within the 6 acre sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Art. Opened in 1999, the gardens features works of art surrounded by a central fountain which is converted to a ice-skating rink in the winter time. Taken: February 16, 2009 at National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (Washington DC)

A wax figure of Abraham Lincoln looks out of a replica of the presidential box from Ford's Theatre. This historic scene is one of the many historical representations found on display at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Washington DC.  Madame Tussauds is a chain of wax museums founded by Marie Tussaud in London in 1835. It has grown to 26 locations in 15 countries. It features a life like collection of figures ranging from political figures to celebrities. Each museum has a theme specific to the region, the Washington DC location features a gallery for US Presidents including a replica of the Ford's Theatre Presidential Box, the White House Oval Office, a Presidential Press Conference and more.  Taken: February 15, 2009 at Madame Tussauds Washington DC (Washington DC)

Hundreds of people each year pass through the hallowed halls of the spiritual home of our nation's capital. Perched high atop a hill in DC, the Washington National Cathedral has hosted state funerals for four US Presidents, six Inauguration Day Presidential Prayer Services and much more.  The Neo-Gothic church took 83 years to complete. The first stone was laid in 1907 with President Theodore Roosevelt in attendance and the final stone was set in 1990 with President George HW Bush at the ceremony. The cathedral is the second largest in the United States and was meant to be the nation's version of England's Westminster Abbey.  Taken: February 15, 2009 at Washington National Cathedral (Washington, DC)

Over the years, the US Postal Service relied on may forms of transportation to get your mail from the sender to the recipient. The railway mail system began in 1832 and help revolutionize and streamline the mail process. During transit, mail typically sat in bags until received at the destination. But this new process saw postal staff sorting the mail onboard the mail cars, helping to make the process more efficient.  This postal car is one of the many postal exhibits on display at the National Postal Museum in Washington DC. Opened in 1993 as a partnership between the US Postal Service and the Smithsonian Institute, the museum is housed in the historic main post office which served the capital area from 1914-1986.  Taken: February 15, 2009 at National Postal Museum (Washington DC)

Each winter, the National Mall becomes a winter wonderland as the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden is transformed into an ice skating rink.  Here you and your family can skate among the backdrop of historic buildings like the National Archives and famous sculptures in the garden.  The popular ice rink is open yearly from Mid November through March.  (Photo:  February 16, 2009)

A wax replica of Tiger Woods lines up a shot at the Madame Madame Tussauds wax museum on Washington DC. This unique collection of wax figures features politicians, enterainers, muscicians and more in life-like wax form. You can get close to these figures as they are displayed in interactive exhibits that scream take a pic with me. Madame Tussauds DC is one of 24 museums worldwide in the Madame Tussauds collection. (Photo: February 15, 2009)

Sitting high atop a ridge on the edge of the nation's capital, Washington National Cathedral has served DC since 1912.  It has a place in presidential history, hosting state funerals and presidential inauguration prayers services for many of the country's leader.  The pulpit was also the spot of Dr Martin Luther King Jr's final sermon before his assassination in 1968.  Today the cathedral hosts three worship services daily, hosting almost 300,000 visitors annually.  (Photo: February 15, 2009)

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. That is the unofficial motto of the United States Postal Service. Each day the postal service processes nearly 5 million pieces of mail to people in big cities all the way to the most rural locations. At times, the postal service needed to adapt to meet the needs of the community like this Rural Free Delivery mail sled on display at the National Postal Museum. (Photo: February 15, 2009)

What you can't see, can kill you.  That is the intent behind the unmanned drones such as the Predator seen here at the National Air and Space Museum.  Now a primary weapon of the US Armed Forces, a drone is the eyes and ears and spear of the nation's fighting forces allowing operators to monitor and neutralize a threat thousand of miles away without endangering a single allied troop.  (Photo: February 16, 2009)

Transportation in the early days was difficult, in order to cross the country you needed to take a risky wagon ride across the rugged countryside.  But it would all change in the the late 1800's as the country was introduced to a new form of travel, the railroad.  Before long, the country was connected with a series of rail lines making it easier to move people and goods across the nation.  The America on the Move exhibit at the National Museum of American History allows you to follow the journey of transportation in the country from horse back to the present day. (Photo: February 14, 2009)

A giant gypsum crystal sits on display at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of Natural History.  The museum boasts a large collection of gem stones like this crystal.  It seems like it would take a large time for a crystal this large to materialize however with the right nutrient rich soil and ideal temperatures a big crystal can develop pretty quickly.  (Photo: February 14, 2009)

This little saloon in downtown Washington DC was the spot where one of the nations darkest moments began.  April 14, 1865 would start like any other day for Peter Taltavull as he worked at his Star Saloon next to one of DC's prominent theaters.  He served patrons including a famous actor but little did he know, the nation would change in just a few short hours.  After finishing his whiskey, John Wilkes Booth went next door to assassinate President Lincoln. Following the shooting, the saloon was the first choice to bring the ailing president but they chose the Peterson House across the street instead.  The saloon never recovered from the events surrounding the President's death and it closed.  Today it is part of the Ford's Theatere National Historic District.  (Photo: February 14, 2009)

Sitting high in a tree, the red panda looks down at zoo guests at the National Zoo in Washington DC.  A native of the Himalayas and southwestern China, the red panda is a bamboo eating mammal that can be found hanging out in the trees eating at night and sleeping during the day.  Although it is shares the panda name, the red panda looks more like a large domestic cat than a giant panda.  The red panda is listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss and poaching.  You can get close with this little tree huggers at zoos like the National Zoo. (Photo: February 13, 2009)

Stretching from the Anacostia River to Georgetown,  Pennsylvania Avenue can easily be called America's Main Street.  It is on this stretch of road that some of the nation's most important building can be found.  In fact two of the three branches of government are located here; the legislative branch (US Capitol) and the Executive Branch (The White House).  In addition to the important buildings along Pennsylvania Avenue, the stretch between the White House and the Capitol is home to many of DC's official parades, including the inauguration day parade.  (Photo: February 16, 2009)