Monuments, Memorials, and Other Points of Interest

 

President’s Park not only provides the setting for The White House but also functions as an important public space within Washington, D.C. President’s Park includes Lafayette Park, the Ellipse (or President's Park South) and its side panels, Sherman Park, and many monuments and memorials honoring a variety of people, military units, and other events.

The places listed below all appear in the NPS App, which you can use to explore the park. Additional points of interest can be found on this website including commemorative trees, gardens, and other features on The White House Grounds.

 

Lafayette Park

Lafayette Park

Originally named Lafayette Square, the seven-acre Lafayette Park is located directly north of the White House.

General Andrew Jackson Statue

Jackson is portrayed as he appeared while reviewing his troops at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

General Lafayette Statue

Lafayette, a Frenchman, was appointed a major general in the Continental army and served under General George Washington.

General Kosciuszko Statue

The statue commemorates Polish patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko and his life-long dedication to fighting for freedom in America and Poland.

General Rochambeau Statue

Comte de Rochambeau commanded the 5,500-man Royal French Expeditionary Force sent to help the American revolutionary forces from 1780-1782.

General Von Steuben Statue

Von Steuben brought American soldiers the technical knowledge necessary to form an organized, modern army during the Revolution.

Navy Yard Urns

These five-foot high, four-foot wide ornamental bronze urns were cast here in Washington at the Navy Yard using melted Civil War cannons.

Bernard Baruch Bench of Inspiration

Baruch was an economic advisor during World War I and World War II and as a confidante to six presidents.

 

The Ellipse (President's Park South)

Butt-Millet Memorial Fountain

Honors Archibald Butt and Francis Millet, believed to be the only U.S. officials who perished aboard the RMS Titanic in 1912.

Zero Milestone

On July 7, 1919, the first transcontinental military motor convoy, destined for San Francisco, California, started from this spot.

Boy Scout Commemorative Tribute

The memorial to the Boy Scouts of America stands on the site of the first Boy Scout Jamboree in 1937.

First Division Monument

Originally built to honor First Division soldiers who gave their lives in World War I, the memorial now honors more recent conflicts.

Second Division Memorial

The memorial is dedicated "To our dead" from the Second Division's service in World War I, 1917-1919.

Original Patentees of DC Monument

The simple granite shaft is to remember the original eighteen patentees whose land became the District of Columbia.

Bulfinch Gatehouse East

Built in 1828, these sandstone guardians silently watched over the U.S. Capitol grounds until 1874.

Bulfinch Gatehouse West

Built in 1828, these sandstone guardians silently watched over the U.S. Capitol grounds until 1874.

Haupt Fountains

These two rainbow granite monoliths were a gift of publishing magnate Mrs. Enid Annenberg Haupt.

General William Tecumseh Sherman Statue

General Sherman was reported to have stood here while reviewing returning Civil War troops in May 1865.

National Christmas Tree

The tradition of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse began with President Coolidge over 100 years ago.