Ben and Virginia Ali opened Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street in Washington DC in 1958. When riots tore through the neighborhood after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, Ben's was one of the few businesses allowed to stay open to feed activists and police. The half-smoke — a coarsely ground half-pork, half-beef sausage smothered in chili — became DC's signature dish. Barack Obama ate here before his inauguration.

14.5 mi away

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

1959

NASA's first space flight center, established in 1959, named after rocket pioneer Robert H. Goddard.

4.1 mi away

Arlington National Cemetery

1864

The nation's most hallowed military burial ground, established on Robert E. Lee's former estate during the Civil War.

17.9 mi away

Thurgood Marshall Memorial - Annapolis

1908

Memorial honoring Baltimore native Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice.

15.5 mi away

Maryland State House

1772

The oldest state capitol building in continuous legislative use, where the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1784.

15.7 mi away

United States Naval Academy

1845

Established in 1845 by Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft at the former Fort Severn in Annapolis.

16.0 mi away

The Pentagon

1941

The world's largest office building, built in sixteen months during World War II to consolidate the War Department.

17.6 mi away

Things to Do in Bowie

food 14.5 mi away

Ben's Chili Bowl

DC's legendary half-smoke joint since 1958. Survived the 1968 riots. Obama ate here. Bill Cosby's tab is still running.

food 21.3 mi away

Faidley's Seafood

Baltimore's Lexington Market treasure since 1886. The jumbo lump crab cake is the standard all others are measured against. No filler.

food 21.5 mi away

4th Street Deli (Attman's)

Baltimore's last great Jewish deli on Corned Beef Row since 1915. The corned beef is hand-cut and piled impossibly high.

Everything Near Bowie

178 stories, landmarks & places within ~20 miles — the same local lore RoadyGoat plays as you drive through.

Spacecraft Magnetic Test Facility · 2.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder how spacecraft stay pointed in the right direction? You're approaching a place that ensures they do, even against Earth's invisible magnetic pull! This is the Spacecraft Magnetic Test Facility, also known as…
Marietta (Glenn Dale, Maryland) · 3.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Feel the weight of history – this land whispers tales of freedom and oppression. Marietta, a former tobacco plantation, wasn't just a place of labor; it became a beacon of hope on the Underground Railroad. In the early…
Belair Mansion (Bowie, Maryland) · 3.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder what life was like for a colonial governor? This elegant Georgian mansion, Belair, was once home to Maryland's Provincial Governor, Samuel Ogle. Built around 1745, this estate became a powerhouse in the…
Belair Stable Museum (Bowie, Maryland) · 3.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Get ready to step into a legend! You’re approaching the hallowed ground of Belair Stud Farm, a name synonymous with American horse racing greatness. This isn't just any old stable; it's where champions were born,…
Glenn Dale Hospital · 3.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Look to your left, and tell me if you feel a chill. You're passing one of Maryland's most haunting abandoned places: the Glenn Dale Hospital, an old tuberculosis sanatorium. Built in 1934, this massive facility, with 23…
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center · 4.1 mi · Historical Marker
NASA's first space flight center, established in 1959, named after rocket pioneer Robert H. Goddard.
Greenbelt Historic District · 6.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wondered what a perfect 1930s town looked like? You're about to drive through one. Greenbelt isn't just a town; it's a living monument to a bold New Deal experiment. During the Great Depression, President…
Abraham Hall · 6.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over! You're about to pass a building that was the beating heart of an entire community during segregation. Built in 1889, Abraham Hall was a vital center for the African American community of Rossville. This isn't…
College Park Airport · 7.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Did you know the world's oldest continuously operating airport is right here? College Park Airport has seen it all. It all started in 1909, when the U.S. Army needed a place to train its first pilots. Wilbur Wright…
Howard's Adventure · 8.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine a sprawling plantation, once the heart of a prominent Maryland family's life, now a piece of Naval Academy history. This is Howard's Adventure. The Hammond family, well-known in Anne Arundel County, called this…
Savage Mill · 9.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Once a thriving cotton mill, Savage Mill has been transformed into a vibrant complex of shops and restaurants. In 1822, the Savage Manufacturing Company was founded here, along the Little Patuxent River. The mill…
Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge · 9.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Look out your window! You're about to pass a true engineering marvel: the only one of its kind left in the world. This isn't just any old bridge. It's the Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge, and it changed how America built…
Savage Mill Historic District · 9.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder how a whole town gets its name? You're driving into Savage, Maryland, a place literally built around the powerful Savage Mill. This spot on the Little Patuxent River has been buzzing with mill activity since…
Rising Sun Inn · 9.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Stop by this mid-18th century inn and imagine travelers from centuries past seeking rest and refreshment. This modest frame house, built around 1753, served as a vital stop for those journeying through Anne Arundel…
Oliver's Gift (log canoe) · 9.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're near a piece of living history, one of the last links to a thrilling Chesapeake Bay tradition! This is Oliver's Gift, a log canoe built back in 1947 by Oliver Duke. She's a racing log canoe, a type of sailing…
Fairmount Heights Historic District · 10.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over! You're approaching Fairmount Heights, one of the very first planned African-American communities in the entire United States. Seriously, this place is a big deal. Back in 1908, a group of determined…
Commodore Joshua Barney House · 10.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over, history buffs! This unassuming house belonged to Commodore Joshua Barney, a true double-threat hero of both the American Revolution and the War of 1812. He was a swashbuckling privateer and naval officer who…
Naval Ordnance Laboratory · 10.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder what the FDA's headquarters used to be? Believe it or not, you're driving past the former Naval Ordnance Laboratory, a top-secret facility where naval weapons were designed and tested for decades! During…
Nannie Helen Burroughs School · 11.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here, a visionary Black woman built a school that defied expectations and empowered generations. Nannie Helen Burroughs founded the National Trade and Professional School for Women and Girls in 1909. It was the…
Ralph Bunche House (Washington, D.C.) · 12.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here, near this unassuming house, lived a man who helped shape the modern world: Ralph Bunche. This is where he made history. Bunche, a professor at Howard University, commissioned this house in 1941. While living…
Slowe-Burrill House · 12.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here, in this quiet neighborhood, lived two women who defied expectations and shaped the future of education. This is the Slowe-Burrill House, home to Lucy Slowe and Mary Burrill. From 1922 to 1937, Slowe and…
Troy (Dorsey, Maryland) · 13.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over for a moment, because you're about to pass a place with a complicated history: Troy Hill Farm, a historic slave plantation tied to one of Maryland's most prominent families. This isn't just an old house; it's…
St. Mary's Beneficial Society Hall (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) · 13.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder how communities built themselves up when the world was actively trying to tear them down? This unassuming hall holds the answer. Built in 1892, St. Mary's Beneficial Society Hall was a vital hub for African…
Rock Creek Cemetery · 13.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Prepare to be moved by grief frozen in stone at Rock Creek Cemetery. Here, you'll find the Adams Memorial, a shrouded bronze figure that's captivated visitors for over a century. Commissioned by Henry Adams after the…
President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine escaping the sweltering DC summer heat... that's exactly what President Lincoln did right here at his Cottage on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home. During the Civil War, between 1862 and 1864, Lincoln and his…
Armed Forces Retirement Home – Washington · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine weary veterans finding solace after years of service – that's what this place, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, has offered for over 150 years. Founded in 1851, it was originally intended as a home for soldiers…
Silver Spring station (Baltimore and Ohio Railroad) · 13.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Step back in time at this former B&O Railroad station, a reminder of the golden age of train travel. This spot isn't just a building; it's a doorway to a bygone era of bustling platforms and the romance of the rails.…
Gallaudet College Historic District · 13.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're near a place that changed deaf education forever. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act authorizing the Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and Blind to grant college degrees. This led to the…
Walter Reed Army Medical Center · 13.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here once stood a place where medical miracles met military service: the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. From 1909 to 2011, Walter Reed was the U.S. Army's flagship hospital. Named after Major Walter Reed, who…
London Town Publik House · 13.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over for a pint of history! This unassuming brick building was once the lively London Town Publik House, a central gathering spot long before interstates and smartphones. Built in 1764, the William Brown House…
Congressional Cemetery · 13.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder where some of the biggest names in early American history ended up? This is it: Congressional Cemetery. Founded in 1807, it quickly became the preferred burial ground for members of Congress, Supreme Court…
Samuel Gompers House · 13.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
From this house, labor leader Samuel Gompers fought for workers' rights at the turn of the 1900s, shaping the American labor movement. Samuel Gompers, the founder and president of the American Federation of Labor, lived…
Uline Arena · 14.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Believe it or not, this spot was once a major hub for everything from politics to rock and roll! Back in 1953, the Uline Arena hosted one of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's inaugural balls. Then, in 1964, The Beatles…
LeDroit Park · 14.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're entering LeDroit Park, a neighborhood that started as a vision of suburban tranquility just outside the bustling city.In the 1870s, lawyer and mathematician Amzi Barber developed this area, naming it after his…
National Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children · 14.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here, in what was once the Pleasant Plains neighborhood, stood a beacon of hope for some of the most vulnerable members of society. The National Home for Destitute Colored Women and Children offered refuge to…
Normal School for Colored Girls · 14.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Did you know this area was once home to the first normal school for African American women in the country? It was called the Normal School for Colored Girls, and it changed the lives of countless students. Founded in…
General Oliver Otis Howard House · 14.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This house is the oldest surviving building on the campus of Howard University, founded by General Oliver Otis Howard after the Civil War. It was built in 1867 as the home of General Howard himself. He was not only the…
Eastern Market, Washington, D.C. · 14.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Step back in time at this 19th-century public market, still serving the Capitol Hill neighborhood. President Thomas Jefferson planned a public market for this area as early as 1805, but it wasn't until 1873 that the…
Ben's Chili Bowl · 14.5 mi
Ben and Virginia Ali opened Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street in Washington DC in 1958. When riots tore through the neighborhood after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, Ben's was one of the few businesses…
Belmont–Paul Women's Equality National Monument · 14.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This house served as the headquarters for the National Woman's Party and a crucial site in the fight for women's suffrage. Since 1929, this building became the headquarters of the National Woman's Party. Founded by…
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. · 14.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Since 1801, this has been the oldest post in the United States Marine Corps, witnessing over two centuries of American military history. Located at the corner of 8th and I streets, Southeast in Washington, D.C., the…
Thomas Jefferson Building · 14.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Prepare to be awestruck: you're approaching the Thomas Jefferson Building, the Library of Congress's oldest and arguably most beautiful building. In 1815, after the British burned the Capitol during the War of 1812,…
Joaquin Miller Cabin · 14.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Step back in time to a rustic retreat built by a poet as colorful as his name: Joaquin Miller. Miller, an American poet, essayist, and self-proclaimed fabulist, built this cabin in Rock Creek Park in the late 1800s.…
Rock Creek Park · 14.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Step back in time, because this serene park was once a crucial line of defense for the nation's capital. During the Civil War in the 1860s, Rock Creek's natural terrain became the foundation for a series of…
O Street Market · 14.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Step back in time to 1881, when this market first opened its doors! It's one of the few remaining 19th-century public markets still standing in D.C. It was a vital shopping destination for area residents. O Street…
Prince Hall Masonic Temple (Washington, D.C.) · 14.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here stands a testament to brotherhood and resilience: the Prince Hall Masonic Temple. Built in 1922, this building became the headquarters for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. Prince Hall…
United States Capitol · 14.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over here, you won't want to miss this. The United States Capitol Building isn't just a pretty dome; it's the heart of American lawmaking. Back in 1814, during the War of 1812, the British marched into Washington…
Ben's Chili Bowl · 14.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Craving a taste of history? Ben's Chili Bowl isn't just a restaurant; it's a D.C. institution that's seen it all. Ben and Virginia Ali founded Ben's Chili Bowl in 1958 on U Street. It quickly became a neighborhood…
Twelfth Street YMCA Building · 14.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here, on 12th Street, stands a testament to resilience and community: the Twelfth Street YMCA Building. Founded in 1853 by Anthony Bowen, a formerly enslaved man, this was the very first African American chapter…
National Park Seminary · 14.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine a place where young women learned etiquette and academics in buildings resembling a Japanese pagoda, a Swiss chalet, and a Dutch windmill. That was National Park Seminary. This unique school, initially called Ye…
Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum · 14.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder about the story of Jewish life woven into the fabric of Washington, D.C.? This is the place to discover it. The Capital Jewish Museum, formerly the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington, was…
Frelinghuysen University · 14.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine a university without a campus, dedicated to those who needed it most. That was Frelinghuysen University. Founded in 1906 by activists Jesse and Rosetta Lawson, this private, historically Black university…
Trieste (bathyscaphe) · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This unassuming spot holds a piece of ocean exploration history: the deep-diving vessel Trieste. It was the first to reach the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the ocean. Designed in Switzerland and…
Mary E. Surratt Boarding House · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This unassuming location holds a chilling secret: it was a key meeting place in the plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. From September 1864 to April 1865, Mary Surratt ran a boarding house here. It became a…
Washington Navy Yard shooting · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This unassuming spot marks a site of tragedy. In 2013, a lone gunman opened fire inside the Washington Navy Yard, killing twelve people and wounding several others. On September 16th, 2013, Aaron Alexis, a civilian…
1835 Washington Navy Yard labor strike · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right around here, in the summer of 1835, something remarkable happened: the first strike of federal civilian employees. These workers at the Washington Navy Yard walked off the job, demanding a ten-hour workday. They…
National Building Museum · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over for a minute and feast your eyes on this architectural marvel! This is the National Building Museum, a place dedicated to all things design, construction, and urban planning. Completed in 1887, the building…
Albert Pike Memorial · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Here stands a monument to a Confederate general, a fact that continues to spark debate in the nation's capital. This is the Albert Pike Memorial, dedicated in 1901. It honors Albert Pike, a Confederate general, lawyer,…
National Museum of the United States Navy · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're near the heart of naval history! This spot, the Washington Navy Yard, has been a vital part of the U.S. Navy since its founding. Established in 1800, the Washington Navy Yard served as the Navy's premier…
Washington Navy Yard · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This isn't just another building; the Washington Navy Yard once armed the US Navy's warships. Established in 1799, it was a vital shipbuilding and ordnance plant. Imagine it bustling with activity, forging cannons and…
Commandant's Office, Washington Navy Yard · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
If these walls could talk, they'd tell tales of naval strategy dating back to the 1830s! This is the Commandant's Office at the Washington Navy Yard, the oldest active office building in the U.S. Navy. For decades, the…
Annapolis National Cemetery · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Prepare to pay your respects at Annapolis National Cemetery, a solemn ground holding the stories of over 3,100 lives. This small but significant cemetery, just over four acres, stands as a testament to service and…
Belmont Estate · 14.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Once a plantation dating back to the 1730s, Belmont Estate offers a glimpse into colonial Maryland life. Get ready to step back in time! This magnificent estate, originally known as "Moore's Morning Choice," was founded…
Old Patent Office Building · 15.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine this building, the Old Patent Office, transformed into a bustling hospital during the Civil War. Between 1861 and 1865, thousands of wounded Union soldiers were treated here. What was once a place for innovation…
National Museum of Crime and Punishment · 15.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder what makes criminals tick? This spot was once home to the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, a privately owned museum dedicated to the history of crime in the United States. Built by Orlando…
Logan Circle (Washington, D.C.) · 15.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder why this fancy circle is named after a Civil War general? It's more than just a pretty park. Originally called Iowa Circle, this area was just a dusty, undeveloped space on the outskirts of the city. In…
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial · 15.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Take a moment to consider the invisible wounds of war at this memorial. It's dedicated to American veterans permanently disabled during their service. In 2000, Congress authorized the Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial…
National Museum of the American Indian · 15.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Standing here, you're close to a place dedicated to honoring the vibrant tapestry of Native American cultures. The National Museum of the American Indian, part of the Smithsonian, opened its doors on the National Mall…
Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station · 15.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This unassuming spot was once the site of a bustling train station, and the scene of a shocking crime that rocked the nation. On July 2, 1881, President James A. Garfield was walking through the Baltimore and Potomac…
National Air and Space Museum · 15.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Buckle up, space cadet, because you're about to learn about a place where dreams take flight! The National Air and Space Museum isn't just a building; it's a portal to the history of aviation and space exploration. It…
Petersen House · 15.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine being in the room where Abraham Lincoln took his last breath. This is the Petersen House, where Lincoln died on April 15, 1865 after being shot at Ford's Theatre across the street. William Petersen, a German…
Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site · 15.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine standing where presidents have paraded and protestors have marched, all on this very avenue. It's Pennsylvania Avenue, sometimes called "America's Main Street," and it's more than just a road. Think about the…
Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial · 15.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're approaching a place dedicated to a man who shaped the 20th century: Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower, or "Ike" as he was known, served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World…
National Mall and Memorial Parks · 15.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're driving through what is now the heart of the nation, but this land's story stretches way back before monuments and museums. Federally owned parks in the capital area go all the way back to 1790, some of the…
Statue of Nathan Hale (Washington, D.C.) · 15.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder what true courage looks like? This statue honors Nathan Hale, a young man who gave everything for what he believed in. Hale, a schoolteacher from Connecticut, joined the Continental Army in 1775 and…
Thurgood Marshall Memorial - Annapolis · 15.5 mi · Historical Marker
Memorial honoring Baltimore native Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
Murder Bay · 15.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Beneath your tires lies a past so gritty, it earned the nickname Murder Bay. Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area, also known as Hooker's Division, was a notorious slum in Washington, D.C. Bounded…
L. Ron Hubbard House · 15.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder where Scientology really took root? This unassuming building played a crucial role in its early days. From 1956 to 1961, L. Ron Hubbard himself had his personal office here. The Founding Church of…
Cutts–Madison House · 15.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine Dolley Madison, former First Lady, strolling these very streets! After her husband, President James Madison, passed away, Dolley moved into this house in 1837 and lived here until her death. This Federal-style…
Willard InterContinental Washington · 15.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
From presidents hatching schemes to Martin Luther King Jr. finalizing his 'I Have a Dream' speech, the Willard Hotel has been a silent witness to history. The Willard really took off in the mid-1800s, becoming *the*…
Colonial Annapolis Historic District · 15.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're driving through a place where the seeds of American democracy were carefully nurtured. Annapolis was a major colonial port and played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the Revolutionary War. Home to many of the…
General Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters · 15.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder how women's clubs shaped America? You're near the heart of it all! This building is the headquarters of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. The GFWC is an umbrella organization for women's clubs that…
Maryland State House · 15.7 mi · Historical Marker
The oldest state capitol building in continuous legislative use, where the Treaty of Paris was ratified in 1784.
Lafayette Square Historic District (Washington, D.C.) · 15.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Stand where presidents have stood, in a park surrounded by historic buildings, just steps from the White House. Lafayette Square has been a silent witness to American history since the early 1800s. The square,…
National Museum of American History · 15.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder where America keeps its treasures? Well, you're getting close! This is the area of the National Museum of American History, home to some of the nation's most iconic artifacts. The Smithsonian Institution,…
Dupont Circle · 15.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Welcome to Dupont Circle, a place where Gilded Age glamour met political power! This wasn't always a bustling roundabout. Originally, it was just a muddy intersection called "Pacific Circle." In 1882, Congress renamed…
Mayflower Hotel · 15.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Planning a presidential inauguration? You might just end up at the Mayflower Hotel. This grand dame of Washington has hosted countless dignitaries, presidents, and events since it opened in 1925. The Mayflower quickly…
Chase–Lloyd House · 15.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder what a founding father's dream home looked like? Get ready to see one of the very first three-story brick Georgian mansions in the Thirteen Colonies! It's a true architectural masterpiece. Construction on…
White House · 15.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine the decisions made within these walls, as you drive past the home and office of every U.S. president since John Adams. The White House has been the center of American power for over two centuries. Construction…
International Spy Museum · 15.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder about the real-life gadgets and stories behind James Bond? You're near the International Spy Museum, a place dedicated to the shadowy world of espionage. Opened in 2002, the museum showcases the tools and…
National Museum of African American History and Culture · 15.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This isn't just another museum; it's a testament to centuries of struggle, resilience, and achievement. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, or NMAAHC, stands as a powerful symbol right here on…
Decatur House · 15.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine being a naval hero, celebrated and wealthy, living just steps from the President. That was Stephen Decatur, and this is Decatur House. Decatur, a celebrated hero of the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, built…
St. Elizabeths Hospital · 15.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pulling up to St. Elizabeths, you're looking at a place that once represented both hope and horror in the treatment of mental illness. Opened in 1855 as the Government Hospital for the Insane, it was the first…
Charles Carroll House · 15.8 mi · Historical Marker
Charles Carroll of Carrollton was the wealthiest man in the American colonies when he signed the Declaration of Independence, and he was the only Catholic to do so. That matters because Maryland Catholics faced serious…
Washington, DC · 15.8 mi · Local history
Washington, D.C., a city deliberately placed on relatively flat land within the Potomac River watershed, pulses with a unique energy. It's a place where history isn't just remembered, it's actively lived. The echoes of…
Brice House (Annapolis, Maryland) · 15.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Look out your window at one of Annapolis’s most impressive survivors from the 18th century! This is the Brice House, an architectural twin to the famous William Paca House and the Hammond-Harwood House. Built between…
Hammond–Harwood House · 15.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wondered what it was like to live in a mansion just before America became, well, America? You're about to drive past one of the finest surviving examples of British colonial architecture in the entire country. This…
Titanic Memorial (Washington, D.C.) · 15.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This spot remembers incredible bravery and sacrifice. The Titanic Memorial honors the men who selflessly gave their lives so that women and children could survive the sinking of the Titanic. Ten days after the tragic…
Alibi Club · 15.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine the secrets and power brokering that have unfolded within the walls of this exclusive gentlemen's club, frequented by presidents and diplomats. The Alibi Club is a traditional gentlemen's private club in…
Woodlawn (Columbia, Maryland) · 15.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wondered what Maryland looked like before Columbia? This next stop, Woodlawn, is a time capsule, blending two centuries of history right before your eyes. It offers a rare glimpse into the complex past of our…
United States Naval Academy · 16.0 mi · Historical Marker
Established in 1845 by Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft at the former Fort Severn in Annapolis.
Washington Monument · 16.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Look up! You're gazing at the Washington Monument, a giant obelisk that embodies America's admiration for its first president. Construction began in 1848, but it was a bumpy road. Funding dried up, and work stalled for…
Woodrow Wilson House (Washington, D.C.) · 16.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine the weight of the world on your shoulders, then imagine trying to relax after carrying that weight. That's what this house represents: Woodrow Wilson's attempt to find peace after the presidency. After serving…
Jefferson Pier · 16.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Stand at the spot that once defined the prime meridian of the United States, a testament to early American surveying. In 1790, President George Washington tasked Thomas Jefferson with defining the nation's capital.…
Equestrian statue of Philip Sheridan (Washington, D.C.) · 16.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This statue of Civil War General Philip Sheridan was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum, the same artist who designed Mount Rushmore. The equestrian statue you see here, dedicated in 1908, honors General Sheridan for his…
The Octagon House · 16.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
They say the Octagon House is haunted, and for good reason. This elegant building wasn't just a wealthy family's home; it briefly became the White House itself! In 1814, after the British torched the original White…
Massachusetts Avenue (Washington, D.C.) · 16.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Drive down Embassy Row, where grand mansions house diplomatic missions from around the world. Massachusetts Avenue is a key part of Washington D.C.'s original design. It cuts diagonally across the city, connecting…
Twin Oaks (Washington, D.C.) · 16.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over for a moment, and imagine high-stakes diplomacy unfolding right here. Twin Oaks, a sprawling estate in Cleveland Park, was once the heart of relations between the United States and the Republic of China. From…
DAR Constitution Hall · 16.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine a concert hall so grand, it once hosted a president getting booed! That's DAR Constitution Hall. Built in 1929 by the Daughters of the American Revolution, it was meant to house their growing annual conventions.…
World War II Memorial · 16.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pause for a moment and reflect on the incredible sacrifices made by American service members during World War II, honored right here at this memorial. Construction began on the World War II Memorial in 2001, after…
John Paul Jones Memorial · 16.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Stand near this memorial and you're close to a tribute to the United States' first naval hero, John Paul Jones. Born in Scotland, Jones came to America and joined the Continental Navy when the Revolutionary War broke…
Oscar W. Underwood House · 16.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine, this unassuming house was once a hub for power, tragedy, and progress. Major Archibald Butt, a trusted military aide to Presidents Roosevelt and Taft, lived here. Tragically, he and artist Francis Davis Millet…
Roosevelt Hall (National War College) · 16.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Passing by Roosevelt Hall, you're driving past a place where some of the nation's top military leaders have honed their strategic thinking. This Beaux Arts masterpiece houses the National War College.Built between 1903…
Jefferson Memorial · 16.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Stand in awe of the Jefferson Memorial and contemplate the words of the Declaration of Independence, penned by this complex and influential Founding Father. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial was built between 1939 and 1943…
Foggy Bottom · 16.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder how Foggy Bottom got its peculiar name? It's not just about the weather! It's a clue to the neighborhood's industrial past. Back in the 1800s, this area was a hub of industry, particularly manufacturing…
Fort Reno (Washington, D.C.) · 16.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're near Fort Reno, a key piece of Washington D.C.'s Civil War defenses. It stood on the highest natural point in the city, giving it a commanding view.During the Civil War, this was a crucial defensive position. In…
Vietnam Veterans Memorial · 16.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pause here and reflect on the Vietnam War's heavy toll, etched forever in stone. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in the Vietnam War. The memorial was established in 1982…
Vietnam Women's Memorial · 16.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Amidst the solemn reflections of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, remember this: women served too. They often faced a double battle – the horrors of war and the struggle for recognition back home. The Vietnam Women's…
Mount Zion United Methodist Church (Washington, D.C.) · 16.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This unassuming church holds the stories of a community fighting for freedom and faith. Mount Zion United Methodist Church, built in 1876, stands as a testament to the resilience of Georgetown's Black residents. Before…
Three Soldiers (statue) · 16.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here, history whispers of sacrifice and remembrance. This is where the Three Soldiers statue stands, a powerful part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Designed by Frederick Hart, the statue was unveiled on…
Korean War Veterans Memorial · 16.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This memorial honors the sacrifices of those who fought in a brutal and often overlooked conflict of the Cold War. The Korean War erupted in 1950 when communist North Korea invaded South Korea, sparking a bloody…
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial · 16.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine leading a nation through the Great Depression and World War II. That's the legacy honored here at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Dedicated in 1997, this memorial traces FDR's presidency through four…
Old Naval Observatory · 16.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Before GPS, this unassuming spot was the nation's timekeeper and navigator. From 1844 to 1893, the U.S. Naval Observatory stood here. Astronomers meticulously tracked the stars, providing precise time and navigational…
Newton D. Baker House · 16.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over for a second, because this unassuming house has some serious stories to tell. It was once home to two figures who shaped American history in very different ways. From 1916 to 1920, this was the residence of…
Statue of Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial) · 16.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Gaze upon the colossal statue of Abraham Lincoln and ponder the weight of his decisions during the Civil War. The Lincoln Memorial, including the statue of Lincoln, was constructed between 1914 and 1922. The statue…
Patterson Viaduct · 16.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder what early railroad engineering looked like? You're near the remains of the Patterson Viaduct, an early bridge built for the B&O Railroad. Constructed in 1829, this viaduct carried the B&O's Old Main Line…
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park · 16.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine a highway of water, connecting the East Coast to the Ohio River Valley – that's what the C&O Canal was meant to be. Construction started in 1828, aiming to link Georgetown with the Ohio River at Pittsburgh. The…
Old Stone House (Washington, D.C.) · 16.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Step back in time at the Old Stone House, the oldest pre-revolutionary colonial building still standing in Washington, D.C. Built in 1765, the Old Stone House is located in the Georgetown neighborhood. Unlike many other…
2019 Lincoln Memorial confrontation · 16.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder how a few moments captured on camera can ignite a national firestorm? Right here, near the solemn Lincoln Memorial, a seemingly small interaction in 2019 became a flashpoint. On January 18, 2019, a…
John Ericsson Memorial · 16.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder how warships evolved from wooden sailing vessels to the steel behemoths of today? That transformation owes a lot to a Swedish-American engineer named John Ericsson. Ericsson, though born in Sweden, became a…
Duke Ellington School of the Arts · 16.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This school, named for the jazz legend, has nurtured generations of talented artists in the nation's capital. The Duke Ellington School of the Arts opened in 1974. It's a public high school dedicated to arts education.…
Georgetown Market · 16.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine a bustling hub of commerce, feeding a growing city for over two centuries. That's the story of the Georgetown Market. Built in 1865, this building replaced an earlier market established way back in 1795. For…
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · 16.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This medical center has treated presidents and military heroes, and has been at the forefront of medical innovation for over a century. Originally known as the National Naval Medical Center, this impressive facility…
Arlington Memorial Bridge · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Marvel at this grand bridge, a symbol of national unity connecting the nation's capital to Arlington National Cemetery. For decades, ideas for a bridge here went nowhere. There were political arguments about whether it…
Forrest-Marbury House · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here, a handshake changed the course of American history. On 1791, President George Washington met with local landowners at the Forrest-Marbury House, just a stone's throw from here, to negotiate the purchase of…
Volta Laboratory and Bureau · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here, in this area, Alexander Graham Bell wasn't just inventing the telephone; he was pioneering communication as we know it. In 1880, Bell, along with his cousin Chichester Bell and Charles Sumner Tainter,…
Navy and Marine Memorial · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over for a moment and reflect on the countless sailors and marines lost at sea, honored by this moving memorial. This is the Navy and Marine Memorial, sometimes called "Waves and Gulls." It commemorates those in…
Montrose (Clarksville, Maryland) · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over, because just ahead is a home that whispers tales of Maryland's divided loyalties during the Civil War. This grand stone house, Montrose, was built in 1844 by Dr. William H. Hardey, a prominent physician and…
Bethesda Theatre · 17.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Roll down your windows and prepare to step back in time! You're about to experience the sleek glamour of a bygone era at this beautifully preserved Streamline Moderne movie theater. Look to your right, that's the…
Theodore Roosevelt Island · 17.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine this tranquil island buzzing with activity during the Civil War. Before it was a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, this land, then known as Mason's Island, served as a training ground. During the Civil War, the…
Healy Hall · 17.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Prepare to be transported back to the late 19th century, because this isn't just any building, it's Healy Hall, the heart of Georgetown University. Imagine this: In 1877, construction began on this impressive structure,…
Key Bridge (Washington, D.C.) · 17.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're about to cross more than just the Potomac. You're about to cross a piece of history on the Key Bridge. Completed in 1923, this bridge, officially named the Francis Scott Key Bridge, connects Georgetown in D.C.…
Georgetown University Astronomical Observatory · 17.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Gazing at the stars from this spot helped shape young minds for decades. In 1841, Father James Curley, a physics professor at Georgetown College, established an astronomical observatory. He personally selected the…
Seabees Memorial · 17.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over here for a moment to honor the Seabees, the Navy's unsung heroes who built the bases and infrastructure that made victory possible in World War II and beyond. The Seabees, officially the Navy's Construction…
United States Coast Guard Yard · 17.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder where the Coast Guard keeps its fleet in fighting shape? You're driving right past their sole shipyard, a place that's been building and repairing vessels for over a century! This isn't just any old dock.…
The Pentagon · 17.6 mi · Historical Marker
The world's largest office building, built in sixteen months during World War II to consolidate the War Department.
Marine Corps War Memorial · 17.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Behold the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial, a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the United States Marines. It's a stunning sculpture that captures a pivotal moment in World War II. The memorial is based on Joe…
The Pentagon · 17.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This massive building is more than just an office; it's the brain of the entire U.S. Department of Defense. Construction on the Pentagon began on September 11th, 1941, just months before the U.S. entered World War II.…
Netherlands Carillon · 17.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Listen to the enchanting melodies of this 53-bell carillon, a gift from the Netherlands to the United States. In the 1950s, the Netherlands gifted this carillon to the U.S. to express gratitude for America's role in…
National Military Command Center · 17.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Deep within the Pentagon, the National Military Command Center is the nerve center where the President and Secretary of Defense make critical decisions during national emergencies. Established in the early 1960s, during…
Douglass Summer House · 17.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over, history buff! You’re about to discover a place where freedom found a literal beachhead. This isn't just any summer house; it was one of the very first built in Highland Beach, a pioneering African American…
2010 Pentagon shooting · 17.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder about security at the Pentagon? On 2010, John Patrick Bedell opened fire at a security checkpoint in the Pentagon Metro station, wounding two officers. The officers returned fire, and Bedell was killed. The…
American Airlines Flight 77 · 17.7 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're driving near the final flight path of American Airlines Flight 77, a day that changed everything for America. On September 11, 2001, Flight 77, a Boeing 757, was hijacked shortly after taking off from Dulles…
Pentagon Memorial · 17.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This is hallowed ground, a place to remember unimaginable loss. Here at the Pentagon Memorial, each of the 184 benches represents a life taken at the Pentagon and on Flight 77 during the September 11th attacks in 2001.…
Military Women's Memorial · 17.8 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Take a moment to appreciate this spot – it stands as a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of women in the U.S. military. The Military Women's Memorial, officially known as the Women In Military Service For…
Arlington National Cemetery · 17.9 mi · Historical Marker
The nation's most hallowed military burial ground, established on Robert E. Lee's former estate during the Civil War.
Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum · 17.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder where America's railway obsession began? You're near the answer! This is the B&O Ellicott City Station, the oldest surviving passenger train station in the U.S. It's a landmark that whispers tales of…
Surratt House Museum · 18.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This unassuming house played a pivotal role in one of the most shocking events in American history. This is the Surratt House, once owned by Mary Surratt, the first woman executed by the U.S. federal government. Mary…
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial · 18.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine standing where George Washington's adopted grandson once envisioned a grand tribute to the nation's first president. This is Arlington House. Completed around 1818, the house became home to George Washington…
Arlington National Cemetery · 18.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine being laid to rest on what was once someone's front lawn. That's the story of Arlington National Cemetery. Established on May 13, 1864, during the Civil War, the land was confiscated from Confederate General…
Ellicott City Historic District · 18.1 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over here for a minute – this spot is more than just a cute mill town; it's a place that's survived floods, fires, and time itself. The Ellicott City Historic District, dating back to 1772, grew up around the…
United States Air Force Memorial · 18.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Take a look at those soaring, stainless steel spires! They're not just decoration; they're a powerful tribute to the U.S. Air Force and its predecessors. Dedicated in 2006, the Air Force Memorial was designed by James…
Fort C. F. Smith (Arlington, Virginia) · 18.3 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This unassuming park was once a critical link in defending Washington D.C. during the Civil War. In 1863, the Union Army built Fort C.F. Smith, a lunette or crescent-shaped earthwork, right here. It was strategically…
Fort Myer · 18.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, this Army post has a long and storied history. Originally two separate forts built during the Civil War, Fort Cass and Fort Whipple protected Washington D.C. from Confederate…
Mount Gilboa Chapel · 18.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over and visit a small stone church built by free African Americans in 1859, a powerful testament to their resilience and faith. This isn't just any church; it's a living piece of history, an African Methodist…
Oella, Maryland · 18.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Step back in time in Oella, a 19th-century mill town on the Patapsco River, showcasing the lives of millworkers. Look around, and you’re driving through history itself. This isn't just a collection of old buildings;…
Riley-Bolten House · 18.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wondered if 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was a real place? Well, right here in Montgomery County, there's a historic home that locals call just that. This 1½-story frame house, with a log wing, was originally the main house…
Baltimore National Cemetery · 18.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This quiet ground holds the stories of thousands who served our nation. Baltimore National Cemetery, established in 1863, is the final resting place for veterans from nearly every American conflict, from the Civil War…
Charles Richard Drew House · 19.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Right here in Arlington stands a house that played a silent but crucial role in saving countless lives during World War II. This unassuming building at 2505 1st Street was once the home of Dr. Charles Richard Drew. From…
Brookeville Historic District · 19.2 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wondered where the US capital went when Washington D.C. was burning? You're driving through it right now! This charming village, Brookeville, briefly served as the nation's capital during the War of 1812. It was…
Fort Ethan Allen (Arlington, Virginia) · 19.4 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Built in 1861, this unassuming patch of land was once a critical part of defending the nation's capital. This is Fort Ethan Allen, one of many earthwork fortifications constructed by the Union Army around Washington…
Doughoregan Manor · 19.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Pull over for a moment, because you're about to pass one of Maryland's deepest roots: Doughoregan Manor, the ancestral seat of the powerful Carroll family, and home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence.…
Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House · 19.5 mi · Scraped Hmdb
This unassuming firehouse isn't just a building; it's a testament to a community's spirit. Built in 1919, the Cherrydale Volunteer Fire House quickly became the heart of the Cherrydale neighborhood. It wasn't just about…
Carrollton Viaduct · 19.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
You're looking at a true pioneer of American engineering: the Carrollton Viaduct, the first stone railroad bridge built in the United States. It's still standing, and still in use! The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, one…
Clara Barton National Historic Site · 19.6 mi · Historical Marker
Home of Clara Barton in Glen Echo that served as both her residence and the early headquarters of the American Red Cross.
Loudon Park National Cemetery · 19.6 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Look around you, and pay your respects to the thousands who served our nation, now resting here. Loudon Park National Cemetery is a solemn tribute to American veterans. This tranquil ground holds a remarkable history,…
Uptown–Parker–Gray Historic District · 19.9 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Imagine a vibrant, evolving neighborhood, a living testament to Alexandria's growth. That's the Uptown–Parker–Gray Historic District. This area, reflecting the 1797 street grid, blossomed over time. You'd find…
Fort Carroll · 20.0 mi · Scraped Hmdb
Ever wonder what a forgotten fortress looks like? Gaze out at the Patapsco River, and you'll spot Fort Carroll, an abandoned hexagonal sea fort sitting on its own artificial island. Named for Charles Carroll of…

Explore Bowie on the Map

All music from Maryland → · Browse more cities