Touring DC: In the Steps of the Civil War

July annually means the start of the summer tourist season in DC. This year, 4 historic anniversaries are being celebrated in the nation's capital: the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech, and the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. To commemorate the 4 events, The Prices Do DC has designed a full-day tour featuring monuments and museum exhibitions selected to help you know more about the people and events of the times. Today's tour:  DC and the Civil War.

Morning

Arlington National Cemetery

Your main stop here is the Arlington House, the former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. To learn more click here. Free. (Metro - Arlington Cemetery Station - Blue Line)

Fort Stevens

Throughout the Civil War, only the width of the Potomac River separated Washington from enemy territory. Yet only once - on July 11, 1864 did the Confederate Army enter the city limits and it was repelled in a 2-day battle here. To learn more click here. Free. (Metro - Takoma Station - Red Line)

Afternoon

Library of Congress - The Civil War in America

The Civil War in America assembles more than 200 unique items, many of which have never been seen by the public, to commemorate the sesquicentennial of this nation's greatest military and political upheaval. To learn more, click here. Free. (Metro - Capitol South - Blue Line)

Newseum - Blood and Ink

Blood and Ink: Front Pages From the Civil War showcases more than 30 historic front pages from the Newseum's collection spanning the length of the war, from the birth of the Confederacy to the death of President Abraham Lincoln. To learn more, click here. Admission fee good for 2 days.  (Metro - Yellow Line - Archives)

Early Evening

African American Civil War Memorial

Throughout the course of the American Civil War over 200,000 African American soldiers and sailors served to keep the United States whole and to free permanently over four million people in forced servitude.  The memorial honors the service and sacrifices of the more than 200,000 African American veterans who fought to free more than 4 million of their people enslaved in the South. To learn more, click here.  Free. (Metro - Yellow or Green Line - U Street)

Related Dining Experiences for Lunch or Dinner

• Old Ebbitt Grill (DC's oldest ongoing restaurant established in 1856)
• Southern cuisine: Georgia Brown's (low country meals - our favorite restaurant in DC), Vidalia (upscale southern - on many best 10 in DC lists), Acadiana (Cajun/Creole/New Orleans)

Tales, Tidbits, and  Tips

Here are some suggestions to help you get the most from this, or any, DC visit.

• Consider staying in Crystal City, which is just across the Potomac, or a hotel/motel in Maryland near a Metro line. It is usually less expensive than staying in similar lodging in DC.
• Leave your car at home or at your hotel/motel. We have lived in the DC-area for 2 years and have never driven in the district. Between the Metro, buses, and taxi cabs it is safe and easy to get around the city. DC is also extremely walkable.
• You will have to be inspected and screened at most all museums and attractions. To save time, carry only what you absolutely need with you. 
• In the summer, DC is hot and humid. Dress accordingly.
• It doesn't hurt to download some DC apps on your smartphone. Our 5 top recommendations are DC Rider, Go Out from The Washington Post, Smithsonian, National Mall, and Yelp.
• For more valuable suggestions and tips,check out our The Prices Do DC blog and website.