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Washington Navy Yard Review

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Washington Navy Yard

Address: O and 11th Sts. SE, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC | Map It

Category: Military Sites
Location: Capitol Hill

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Fodor's Review:

A 115-acre historic district with its own street system, the Washington Navy Yard is the navy's oldest outpost on shore. Established in 1799 as a shipbuilding facility, it was burned during the War of 1812. Rebuilt and converted to weapons production by the mid-19th century, it gradually fell into disuse until the 1960s, when it was revived as an administrative center.

The Navy Museum (202/433-4882 Navy Museum; 202/433-4882 USS Barry. www.history.navy.mil), in Building 76, chronicles the history of the U.S. Navy from the Revolution to the present. Exhibits range from the fully rigged foremast of the USS Constitution (better known as Old Ironsides) to a U.S. Navy Corsair fighter plane dangling from the ceiling. All around are models of fighting ships, working periscopes, displays on battles, and portraits of the sailors who fought them. The decommissioned U.S. Navy destroyer Barry, open weekdays 10-4, floats a few hundred yards away in the Anacostia River. In front of the museum is a collection of guns, cannons, and missiles. Call ahead to schedule a free weekday highlights tour—and to double-check visiting hours and access policy, especially during periods of heightened security. Hours for the Navy Museum are generally weekdays 9-4, and appointments are necessary for those without U.S. military ID. On weekdays, civilian visitors should enter at 9th Street and M Street. Visitors can enter at 6th Street and M Street, on weekends. Note that weekend visitors should make reservations a week in advance.

The Navy Art Gallery (202/433-3815. www.history.navy.mil), in Building 67, exhibits navy-related paintings, sketches, and drawings, many created during combat by navy artists. The bulk of the collection illustrates World War II. Hours for the Navy Art Gallery are Wednesday through Friday 9-4, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday noon-4.

Cost: Free; park free with advance reservation
Metro: Eastern Market

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