The nation's capitol features a considerable amount of noteworthy architecture from the last three centuries. Quite a few of these spaces line Washington's central Mall. Each time I visit the District of Columbia, I attempt to get a closer look at one or more of it's historic buildings. Given the brief time I have at my disposal, I am generally limited to explorations in only one direction.

With my starting point as the Washington Monument, I wandered East towards the Capitol. It was much too far away to reach, but as least I would get a clearer picture than I had at any other time in recent history. Having gone as far as I desired, I turned to my right and chose a route back that took me past a few of the older Smithsonian buildings.

I first encountered the Arts and Industry museum, a wonderful Victorian masterwork. Next to that was the famous "Castle". This was the Smithsonian's first commisioned building and it now serves as the institution's information center. Both of these structures were quite stimulating to dissect from the outside.