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Author Archives: Rick
The general of them all – Alexander Macomb
It’s not often you’ll see a monument with Greek, Roman and Egyptian markings, but Gen. Alexander Macomb’s 14-foot marker at Congressional Cemetery has them all. The general is surrounded by four lions paws. A sword for his military career, cross … Continue reading
Rock Creek Cemetery markers for memories
Wandering through Rock Creek Cemetery is a lesson is historic architecture. It’s probably the best cemetery in Washington for angels alone. The rich and famous from former Washington territorial mayor “Boss” Shepherd to president Teddy Roosevelt’s iconic daughter Alice are … Continue reading
Fort Lincoln Cemetery: Defending Washington during Civil War
Two cannons rest amid earthworks in Fort Lincoln Cemetery just past the city’s eastern border, remnants of the Civil War defense. Ironically, they’re only a couple hundred yards from the Battle of Bladensburg in 1814 where the British … Continue reading
Posted in Abraham Lincoln
Tagged Best DC walking tour, cannons, Civil War, Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Photo by Rick Snider
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Cross of Sacrifice at Arlington National Cemetery
It’s often called the “Canadian Cross” but technically the large cross behind the Tomb of the Unknowns and near the memorials to astronauts is called the “Cross of Sacrifice.” The bronze sword atop the 24-foot gray granite cross was dedicated … Continue reading
Here’s a bar bet you can win
Washington, D.C. is named after two people. Name them. I ask this of every group I take out and maybe 10 percent has someone who can answer it. OK, we all should know that George Washington is the Washington part. … Continue reading
Taking green energy in stride
Sidewalks – they’re not the friendliest of places around Washington. I once fell face down on the sidewalk when kicking a raised section near OPM. I wasn’t badly hurt, but that people actually walked around me without helping angered me … Continue reading
Daniel Webster offers the highest of relief panels
Normally, the high relief art complements the statue, but the two beneath the statue of Daniel Webster are the coolest ones I’ve seen around town. They are nearly lifelike, showing none of their 110 years. The scene in the front … Continue reading
Thomas T. Gaff isn’t so scary after all
From the street it looks like a member of the Walking Dead has emerged in Rock Creek Cemetery. Walking up the steep incline makes the grave marker a little less scary and a little more impressive. What once looked like … Continue reading
Sky Landscape is for the 99 percenters
For everyone who was told they’re not good enough, those who spent years trying to make it, that sacrificed everything for their dream — Sky Landscape is for you. Louise Nevelson struggled for many years after arriving from Kiev, Russia. … Continue reading
William Howard Taft – not just the other president
There are two presidents buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Everyone knows John F. Kennedy, the eternal flame and all that. But who’s the second? Here’s a hint — he’s my seventh cousin, five times removed. What, you still need another … Continue reading
The tree that ate a grave marker
In the far away section 13 of Arlington National Cemetery, Charles Ippel was buried shortly after his July 26, 1863 death. The Union corporal succumbed to wounds suffered three weeks earlier at Gettysburg as part of 82nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry’s … Continue reading
Eisenhower Memorial finally opens
It’s a long stroll across the Eisenhower Memorial, but then there’s a lot to discuss about Dwight D. Eisenhower. The leader of Allied Forces to win World War II and U.S. president requires a lot of marble. It took nearly … Continue reading
Lee Marvin – The famous neighbor was a Hollywood legend
The eyes always go to the adjacent grave. Heavyweight champion Joe Louis. Big marker, big name, hard to miss. But to Louis’ left is a simple white stone marker containing another legend – actor Lee Marvin. Yes, it’s the famous … Continue reading
