Despite the buzzing pace and constant change that defines much of Washington, D.C., I wanted to delve into the heart of this city where time slows down and the past is revered.

My journey through history begins at the National Mall, a sweep of grassy land stretching over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers). Bordering the U.S. Capitol  to the east and with the Lincoln Memorial defining its western edge, “The Mall” is in close proximity to numerous monuments and museums.

As the stone obelisk towers above, the flags at the base of the Washington Monument snap to attention in the wind.

The Washington Monument, the tallest silhouette in the skyline, is prominent from a distance and magnificent up close. At more than 555 feet (169.3 meters), the stone obelisk towers above me. On this particularly windy day, the flags encircling the structure  snap fiercely to attention. Dedicated in 1985, more than  30 years after construction began, Robert Mills’ design included stones donated from a variety of cultural, social and professional groups as well as foreign nations. The stature of the piece is quite telling as it commemorates the nation’s first president, George Washington, who, as Henry Lee stated, was “"first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."

I detour to Constitution Gardens, a 52-acre (210,440 m2) park adjacent to The Mall and referred to as “a living tribute.” Crossing a short wooden bridge, I step foot onto the small memorial island designed by Joseph Brown. In 1976, the nation’s bicentennial, this little haven was dedicated to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Positioned in a semi-circle on a brick walkway, individual blocks of granite are inscribed with each signature along with their trades and cities.

Back at The Mall,  the National World War II Memorial, designed by Friedrich St. Florian, is a massive plaza located directly between the Washington and Lincoln memorials. Not only are soldiers remembered here but also civilians involved in the war effort at home.

It would take hours, or even days, to fully absorb the entire structure. Fifty-six granite pillars encircle the plaza, each with the name of a state or U.S. territory. The “Rainbow Pool” in the center of the plaza consists of a circular set of fountains. Brass eagles, archways, stone wreaths, inscribed quotes, relief panels and military seals are just a few of the commemorative details.