6 Places to the Relive the Watergate Scandal

The conspiracy that nearly got Richard Nixon impeached lives on in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

by Michelle Cassidy, Senior Associate Places Editor

6 Places

On the morning of June 17, 1972, several burglars were arrested in the Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C. What seemed like a run-of-the-mill crime turned into the political scandal of the century. With help from an anonymous whistleblower, Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein documented President Richard Nixon’s personal role in the scandal.

Almost two years after the initial break-in, the House Judiciary Committee began an impeachment inquiry for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, criminal cover-up, and several violations of the Constitution. Nixon resigned before he was formally impeached, but the legacy of Watergate lives on through the “-gate” suffix being attached to just about every scandal, big or small, that comes along—as well as the physical places where you can relive the whole sordid affair.

Arlington, Virginia

Deep Throat Parking Garage

This otherwise unremarkable parking garage in Arlington, Virginia, hosted a series of covert meetings between Bob Woodward and his confidential source, known to the world as "Deep Throat." In 2005, former Deputy Director of the FBI Mark Felt revealed himself as the source.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

White House Taping System

President Nixon used a voice-activated recording system that resulted in a comprehensive archive of his conversations in the Oval Office, which contributed to his downfall. One of Nixon's tape recorders is on display at the Ford Presidential Museum.

Added by Joshua Sack

Washington, D.C.

White House Helipad

Nixon’s final day as president was August 9, 1974. After signing a letter of resignation, he gave a farewell speech to his staff and then departed via helicopter from the south lawn of the White House.

Elliot Carter

Added by Elliot Carter

Washington, D.C.

The Presidential Booths at Martin's Tavern

During his time in Washington, Nixon often dined on this Georgetown restaurant’s famous meatloaf. He sat in Booth Two, which still bears a plaque dubbing it “The Richard Nixon Booth.”

Kendall Cairns

Added by Kendall Cairns

Washington, D.C.

Water Gate at the Watergate Complex

Before there was a Watergate Complex, there was a simple water gate. The gate is a remnant of the short-lived Washington City Canal, and at low tide you can still see decaying wood beams.

Elliot Carter

Added by Elliot Carter

Washington, D.C.

Watergate Steps

These stairs were originally intended as a grand staircase to greet and awe visiting dignitaries arriving from the Potomac River. That plan didn’t work out, but these stairs to nowhere are still part of the landscape of the National Mall.

Molly McBride Jacobson

Added by Molly McBride Jacobson

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