Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle

The proposed United States Triumphal Arch (the Arch) would serve as a signature monumental structure honoring the nations 250th anniversary and contributing to Washington, D.C.s tradition of honoring national principles. Drawing on the historic Roman precedent of erecting freestanding arches to celebrate civic achievement, the Arch is envisioned as a prominent addition to the capitals architectural landscape in the monumental core.

The purpose of the proposed action is to celebrate 250 years of American independence by honoring Americas founding principles through installation of a structure at the intersection of Arlington Memorial Bridge and Memorial Avenue within George Washington Memorial Parkway, in a manner consistent with the avenue's established role as a ceremonial gateway and "Avenue of Heroes" celebrating valor, sacrifice, and American heritage.

Arlington Memorial Bridge and Memorial Avenue serve as a ceremonial entrance to Washington, D.C. and the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, physically and symbolically uniting the nation's history along a corridor already lined with monuments honoring diverse figures of American significance. Executive Order 14252, Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful, directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop proposals to ensure Federal buildings and lands uplift and beautify public spaces and generate in the citizenry pride in and respect for our Nation, promoting beautification and the preservation of our history and heritage. Installation of an appropriate structure presents an opportunity to advance that directive within one of the most symbolically significant corridors in the Capital.

The Arch would be located within Memorial Circle (the Circle), a formally designed feature of the George Washington Memorial Parkway at the western end of Arlington Memorial Bridge. The Parkway, administered by the National Park Service, is a 25-mile scenic and commemorative corridor along the Potomac River that integrates early 20th century landscape design with transportation, cultural resources, and recreational access. Developed to honor President George Washington and to connect significant historic and cultural sites, it blends naturalistic plantings with sculptural features.
Memorial Circle lies within Lady Bird Johnson Park, a manmade island constructed between 1915 and 1930 and renamed in 1968 in recognition of First Lady Claudia 'Lady Bird' Johnsons conservation and beautification efforts. The parks landscaped grounds, native trees, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and cultural features, including the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove and the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial, provide the broader setting that frames and supports Memorial Circle within the Parkway corridor.