Washington's iconic carousel has a nice piece of Civil Rights history.

This stunning blue and gold room changed cities twice before becoming part of the Smithsonian.

Railroad officials in the early 1900s sought to spare travelers the sight of Roman soldiers’ private parts.

Giant acorn-shaped 19th century gazebo from which suburban Washingtonians gazed upon the original "silver" spring.

A museum cafe showcases Native American dishes and indigenous ingredients from across the Western Hemisphere.

"Congress may voluntarily remain in session throughout the summer, in order that our Congressmen may be protected from the intolerable discomforts and dangers of the ordinary outdoor weather!”

The 5.5-mile ring of steel posts around the Capitol Building is one of the largest (and most uniform) of its kind in the world.

This unique historical monument features large concrete spheres designed to resemble fallen stars.

This church built atop a gas station promises to "equip you for the next stage in your life’s journey."

The site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film is now a historic landmark.

Before Metro, Washington had a robust streetcar network—and you see the remains of this infrastructure if you know where to look.

An 18th-century townhouse that once hosted guests of the president.

This stately mansion, built in 1787 by America's first Secretary of the Navy, is rumored to be one of the most haunted buildings in Washington, DC.

The little-known, 300-year history of the area includes former lives as a bustling tobacco port, parking lot, and industrial dump.

‘Bush the old fire dog died of poison July 5th, 1869. RIP.’

At 207 feet, one of the world's longest continuous escalators.

The most decorated dog of World War I is preserved in the Smithsonian.

Perhaps the most scandalous statue of America's first president.

A heroic pigeon that, through a barrage of gunfire, delivered a message that saved over 100 lives in World War I.

Seemingly unremarkable items like empty sushi trays, chef hats, and freshness stickers are being preserved so future generations can look back on this beloved cultural import.

The remains of Martha, the last known passenger pigeon, serve as a tool to educate about conservation.

The 28,000-year-old specimen is remarkably intact.

Fittingly, America's museum of architecture is itself a magnificently designed old building.

A monument in Washington D.C. marks the spot from which all other roads were supposed to stem.