Peace Monument
Park Civil War-era memorial near the U.S. Capitol
On the Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C., the Peace Monument commemorates naval lives lost in the American Civil War; visitors stop to study the marble sculpture while touring the National Mall.
The Peace Monument is a 19th-century memorial on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., erected to commemorate naval deaths during the American Civil War. It stands near the Capitol Reflecting Pool.
The monument is a white marble sculpture group set on a tall pedestal with allegorical figures representing peace and history; it is a common stop on walks around the Capitol grounds. Its placement affords views across the nearby reflecting pool and toward the Capitol building.
Commissioned in the 1870s and unveiled in the late 19th century, the monument was created to honor naval personnel who died during the Civil War and to symbolize reconciliation. The sculptural program was executed by an established American sculptor of the period and installed on federal land adjacent to the Capitol.
The Peace Monument stands on the Capitol grounds in the District of Columbia, within the legislative complex and close to public walkways and memorial sites.
- Commemoration and location: The monument commemorates naval deaths in the American Civil War and is situated on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol complex, making it accessible on a walking route around the Capitol Reflecting Pool.
How to Get to Peace Monument #
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., near the intersection of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Nearest Metro stations: Smithsonian (Blue/Orange/Silver) or Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange/Silver). Walkable from the U.S. Capitol and many Smithsonian museums.
Tips for Visiting Peace Monument #
- Combine a visit with a walk along the National Mall - the monument sits close to other memorials and free-standing installations.
- Visit in early morning for cool light on the bronze figures and fewer tourists.
- Note changing exhibitions or official ceremonies that occasionally alter access to the immediate plaza.
Best Time to Visit Peace Monument #
Best in spring or autumn for gentle weather and agreeable light; the Mall can be crowded during summer weekends and public events.
Weather & Climate near Peace Monument #
Peace Monument's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1048 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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