One of the streets planned by Pierre L’Enfant in the Washington, D.C. city plan is Pennsylvania Avenue, which connects the United States Capitol and the White House. This street is famous for hosting events such as presidential inauguration parades and citizen demonstrations.
Originally, it was constructed using the macadam method, where tar was laid on crushed stones. It was later experimented with cobblestones and wooden blocks, but eventually, it was paved with asphalt. Pennsylvania Avenue, along with Freedom Plaza, is managed by the National Park Service, which coordinates activities and events held there. The National Park Service is responsible for managing not only parks but also protected areas, cultural heritage, national historic landmarks, and natural landmarks. It has sub-organizations such as the United States Park Police and the Historic American Buildings Survey.
Freedom Plaza, depicting Pierre L’Enfant’s Washington Plan
The surface design of the mosaic at Freedom Plaza partially portrays Pierre L’Enfant’s vision of the Washington city plan. It includes early layouts of the United States Capitol and the White House State Floor. On the western side of the plaza, there is a fountain, and on the eastern side stands a statue of a Polish soldier on horseback.
Besides being a tourist attraction, Freedom Plaza is also used for political protests and citizen-led events, making it a popular destination. The open space often attracts people who come to practice skateboarding.
The origin of the name Freedom Plaza
Originally called Western Plaza, it was later renamed Freedom Plaza in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., who delivered the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The name change was made as a tribute to him. Consequently, there is a plaque at the edge of Freedom Plaza commemorating its previous name, Western Plaza.
John A. Wilson Building, the City Hall of Washington, D.C.
Opposite Freedom Plaza, at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue, stands the John A. Wilson Building, serving as the city hall. It houses the mayor’s office and the Council of the District of Columbia, and it is open to the public, allowing citizens and tourists to visit. Additionally, parts of the building can be explored virtually using Google Street View.
In Washington, D.C., there are several prominent avenues, and one of...
