Have you ever wondered about the residents of the beautiful homes in Sheridan-Kalorama and Dupont Circle

In this tour of Washington, D.C.’s National Historic Landmarks (NHLs), you can learn about Andrew W. Mellon’s apartment building, famed ornithologist Elliot Coues, and the house President Woodrow Wilson moved into after he left the White House. All of the sites on this tour have been deemed notable in the course of American history, due to important individuals, events, or organizations. Additionally, each of the sites on this tour provide a glimpse into human components of the built environment, and show the intimate nature of homes, apartment buildings, and private space.

Consider how these sites connect to the story of America, and what nationally-significant sites along the way may be missing. This tour can be completed by walking, public transport, or car. It is advised to map out your route to determine distance before beginning.

NHLs are ultimately designated by the Secretary of the Interior, upon the recommendation of the National Park System Advisory Board, and are evaluated based on their history, integrity of the property, and their value to the broader American historical narrative. There are currently around 2,600 NHLs, with 75 in the District alone.