Along the Walkway
On a morning photography technical walk-about in Meridian Hill Park in Washington D.C., with Lynford Morton of Phototour DC, it was wonderful to reaffirm what I’ve learned the past two years about photography. It was also exciting that even though you think you know something, there is always something new to learn.
Meridian Hill Park is a lesser known park in Washington DC that is steeped with history, and is informally known as Malcolm X park. The first mansion built on this location was established in 1819 by Commodore David Porter and the land remained in the estate until 1914 when the federal government bought the land and established the park.
Curved Steps
The statue of Joan of Arc is the only female equestrian statue in all of Washington D.C.. In 1922, this Paul Dubois statue was given to Washington as a gift from Le Lyceum Societe de Femmes de France (Ladies of France in Exile in France) is a copy of the original that stands outside the cathedral in Reims, France.
The sword she holds high in the sky was stolen in 1978 and was replaced by her 600th birthday (Joan of Arc’s – not the statue’s) in December, 2011.
Standing high above the Washington Meridian, Joan of Arc is battle ready while keeping a watchful eye over the White House.
Joan of Arc
So in creating this post, I just learned there is a Washington Meridian. Who knew?? The Washington Meridian were used as the Prime Meridian for the United States and pass through Washington D.C. The lines passed through the Capital, the White House, the Old Naval Observatory and the New Naval Observatory. Looks like a new field trip is due to find out more about this fascinating bit of history.
I hope you enjoyed this brief stroll through Meridian Hill Park with me, and may you have a wonderful day.
Block Steps
Categories: Foot Prints, history, travel, Washington DC
Thanks for the discovery. I lived four years in D.C. and never even suspected the existence of that beautiful park.
I had never heard of it either until the workshop came up. Add the history of the Prime Merdians and it gets really interesting. Thanks for stopping by!
Interesting. Will look forward to your investigation of meridians too.
Thank you for the amazing photos. I enjoyed the view.
It is my pleasure to share these with you John. So happy you enjoyed them.
Absolutely gorgeous pictures and I love the summary! The walkway is amazing. And I love the B&W block steps. The Joan of Arc picture is breathtaking. You really complimented the statue within your photo. I felt as though I was standing in front of it, looking up. Too bad about the sword. The curved steps; absolutely artistic design. Love it in B&W 🙂
Thank you so much Judy ! I can’t believe that you were so kind to really look at this post. Truly, I’d be just as happy with a “Like” but I do get wonderful warm and fuzzies when I see your kind and generous comments.
Now I’m a mission to find Joan of Arc mounted statues. I’ve got two now in my collection. 🙂
I really enjoyed your photos and commentary Emily!
Thank you Phil ! It was a super cloudy day, so I worked with what I had the best way I could. 🙂
Beautiful Captures – reminds me to go and explore the parks in my area:) Happy Sunday!
Local parks are a forgotten treasure. There are so many that are unexplored, but never forgotten.
What a lovely stroll, Emily. There had to be a horse….of course. 😀
You can count on it Sylvia!
We too enjoyed the stroll though the park in both color and black & white. Exquisite! 🙂 🙂
Hi Maggie ! there were so many dogs playing in the park. It is a perfect place for you to play.
beautiful shots
Thank you so much Katy, appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you back soon. Bella
I’ve lived in DC for years and somehow managed to overlook this park entirely. Now I know better. Thank you.
It’s also a great dog park if you have one you can play with.
A cranky old cat in our household, I am afraid–probably explains why I haven’t seen this park. We’ll take our camera for a walk there though!
LOL ! Yes, the cat may have an issue with the dogs. It’s a small park and one needs to be creative to get some interesting shots. But the Meridian line is certainly worth investigating.