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

Cher Ami

A heroic pigeon that, through a barrage of gunfire, delivered a message that saved over 100 lives in World War I.
Allison Added by Allison
Washington, D.C.

Sergeant Stubby

The most decorated dog of World War I is preserved in the Smithsonian.
Allison Added by Allison
Washington, D.C.

Washington Monument Lightning Rod

The monument's pointy aluminum tip has been melted down by repeated lightning strikes.
Elliot Carter Added by Elliot Carter
Washington, D.C.

USNO Master Clock

The most accurate timepiece in the world.
Elliot Carter Added by Elliot Carter
Washington, D.C.

Watergate Gas Station

This seemingly out-of-place gas station by the Watergate hotel was once described as the most expensive gas station in the world.
Elliot Carter Added by Elliot Carter
Washington, D.C.

National Archives Vault

An atomic bomb-proof strongbox protects the U.S. Constitution from terrorists and thieves.
Elliot Carter Added by Elliot Carter
Vienna, Virginia

Foxstone Park Bridge

A double agent hid information for the Soviet Union beneath this bridge for more than 20 years.
WhiskeyBristles Added by WhiskeyBristles
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Masonic Temple of Philadelphia

Huge masonic hall in Philadelphia with lavishly themed rooms.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sparks Shot Tower

One of the oldest of its kind.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Tour the dark and beloved poet's former cobwebbed basement, which may have inspired "The Black Cat."
michelle Added by michelle
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Golden Gal of Old Madison Square Garden

Golden and naked, the figure that was once the highest point in New York is all that remains of the second Madison Square Garden.
Luke J Spencer Added by Luke J Spencer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rocky Statue

Yo, Adrian!
josephwbeck Added by josephwbeck
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary

World's first "penitentiary," meant to be humane, drove men insane.
Dylan Added by Dylan
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Barnes Foundation

Dr Barnes' $25 billion private collection of art and arboretum.
EmilyYaMei Added by EmilyYaMei
Washington, D.C.

Rayburn House Office Building

One critic described it as "middle Mussolini, early Ramses, and late Neiman-Marcus." Another called it an architectural "natural disaster."
Elliot Carter Added by Elliot Carter
Alexandria, Virginia

The Grave of the Female Stranger

This grave marks the passing of a historic Jane Doe whose identity remains a mystery to this day.
Added by JohnBense
Washington, D.C.

Potomac Park Flood Levee

This mysterious structure by the Washington Monument is a flood barrier designed to protect the White House against rising waters.
Elliot Carter Added by Elliot Carter
New York, New York

Hamilton Grange

The only home that Alexander Hamilton ever owned has a history almost as troubled as his own.
Eirik Gumeny Added by Eirik Gumeny
Boston, Massachusetts

Boston's "Black Sea"

This area was once known for being a lawless haven for rough-and-tumble sailors, earning the maritime-themed nickname "the black sea."
Eglon, West Virginia

Our Lady of the Pines

This claimant to the title of "smallest church in the 48 states" doubles as an equally tiny, quasi-post office.
unknowndetails Added by unknowndetails
Santa Monica, California

Route 66 End of the Trail Sign

A sign at the end of the Santa Monica Pier marks the traditional end of the legendary American highway.
Rachel Added by Rachel
Brooklyn, New York

Hoyt-Schermerhorn Subway Station

Michael Jackson got Bad and Crocodile Dundee walked on heads in this iconic Brooklyn subway station.
Luke J Spencer Added by Luke J Spencer
Trenton, New Jersey

Lower Trenton Bridge

This Delaware River bridge is emblazoned with a catty slogan from a more prosperous time.
Added by lex
Washington, D.C.

Watergate Steps

Decades before the scandal, this staircase on the river was a literal "water gate."
Molly McBride Jacobson Added by Molly McBride Jacobson