Franciscan monks created a facsimile of the Holy Land for North Americans who couldn’t afford the trip overseas.

"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!”

This poor little statue is the most vandalized memorial in Washington.

Where the U.S. government kept its actual treasure, before Fort Knox.

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.

An unassuming, powerful monument north of the U.S. Capitol bears witness to the resilience of Japanese Americans during a time of grave injustice.

The most accurate timepiece in the world.

An obscure public service from the U.S. government that redeems burnt, moldy, and soiled old greenbacks.

The winding route passes through an enclosed alleyway, two tunnels, and leads to the White House basement.

The privately owned cemetery that holds room for Washington's finest when they step down from life.

A computer bug so primitive it was an actual insect.

Rumor has it the uncarved lump behind the three famous suffragists is reserved for the first woman president.

Housing the National Women's Party since 1929, this historic house is now a monument to the fight for gender equality.

A traveling postal dog covered 48 states and more than 140,000 miles, and he lives on as taxidermy, patched up with a rabbit's foot and a pig's ear.

The actual model from the original "Star Trek" series is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum.

Four bald cypress trees in Lafayette Square, across from the White House, mark the southern edge of a 100,000 year old cypress swamp.

This lonely waterfront memorial to the men of the Titanic was erected by the "Women of America."

A haunting tribute to pioneering photographer Clover Adams.

A nostalgic bibliographic gem.

This leafy estate is worth $18 million and is so grand it has two mailing addresses.

A painfully obvious spy house sits right across the street from the Russian Embassy.

A lovely aquatic park built by a one-armed Civil War veteran who made a fortune from lotuses.

The walls of the iconic dome are hollow and have a secret stairway.

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