runlaurelrun's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Washington, D.C.

Catacombs of Washington, D.C.

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

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Largest Roman Catholic church in North America.
Washington, D.C.

Tivoli's Astounding Magic Supply

The district's only illusionarium supports free writing programs for local students with every purchase.
Washington, D.C.

Serenity Statue

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

Spanish Steps

A terrace reminiscent of Rome's Spanish Steps is tucked away in a little park in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.

The Winfield Scott Memorial

The sculptor was instructed to add “stallion attributes” to the general's bronze mare.
Washington, D.C.

Barbie Pond on Q Street

A rotating cast of guys and dolls in front of a Washington, D.C. building.
Washington, D.C.

Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

A gorgeous mural outside a beloved D.C. restaurant pays homage to famous Black Americans.
Washington, D.C.

Watermelon House

This rowhouse doubles as one of the most photographed spots in the nation's capital.
Washington, D.C.

Memorial to Japanese-American Patriotism in World War II

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

George Washington's Townhouse Lots

After his presidency, George Washington planned to live only a few blocks from the Capitol building.
Washington, D.C.

Waldseemüller’s 1507 World Map

This groundbreaking 16th-century map is known as "America's birth certificate."
Washington, D.C.

Library Of Congress Gutenberg Bible

One of the three perfect vellum copies of this historic book known to exist is on display in a specially-designed case.
Charlottesville, Virginia

University of Virginia's Seven Society

The story behind the mysterious symbol painted in front of the historic university's famous Rotunda.
Charlottesville, Virginia

The Raven Room

Edgar Allan Poe's old dorm is now a shrine to the author's legacy.
Newport, Rhode Island

Artillery Company of Newport Museum

This small museum is home to cannons cast by Paul Revere and the last remaining uniform of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.
Newport, Rhode Island

Newport Cliff Walk

Three and a half miles of cliffs, rocky beaches, Gilded Age mansions and 40 Steps to nowhere in particular.
Boston, Massachusetts

First Spiritualist Temple

America's original house of worship for Spiritualism, the religious movement based on communing with the dead.
Boston, Massachusetts

Boston's Old Burying Grounds

Macabre headstones carved with winged skulls, dancing skeletons, and pithy reminders of impending death.
Boston, Massachusetts

Democratic Donkey and Republican Footprints

This statue intended for children to enjoy became a minor political spat.
Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Tea Kettle

This massive tea kettle was once a promotional stunt for the Oriental Teashop.
Easton, Massachusetts

Borderland State Park Mansion

The sprawling, eccentric estate of Ames and Ames, a brilliant botanist, and a genius inventor and artist.
Boston, Massachusetts

The First Church of Christ, Scientist

This impressive Boston holy house is the American mecca for Christian scientists.
Boston, Massachusetts

Rainbow Swash

The world's largest piece of copyrighted artwork.