Located in President's Park just west of the White House and south of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the First Division Monument offers you a deeply poignant place to honor the fallen soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. Conceived and funded by the Society of the First Division without federal money, this striking memorial was crafted from Milford pink granite and dedicated in 1924 to commemorate 5,516 World War I servicemen.
As you explore the plaza, you will discover how the site evolved to pay tribute to heroes of subsequent conflicts. You can admire the central Victory statue sculpted by Daniel Chester French alongside architecture by Cass Gilbert, as well as distinct additions honoring those lost in World War II, the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. Notice the vibrant 181-foot-long #1 red annuals flowerbed stretching in front of the site, which was introduced in 1965 as part of First Lady Lady Bird Johnson’s beautification plans.
Maintained today by the National Park Service, this historic landmark provides a quiet, moving space to reflect on thousands of inscribed names and the profound sacrifices made throughout American military history.
What to see at First Division Monument
- Milford pink granite structure designed by architect Cass Gilbert
- Central Victory statue sculpted by Daniel Chester French
- West and east additions honoring fallen soldiers from World War II, Vietnam, and Desert Storm
- A 181-foot #1 red annuals flowerbed created under Lady Bird Johnson's beautification plan
Visiting tips
Take time to walk around both sides of the monument to view the specific additions dedicated to World War II on the west and the Vietnam War on the east.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
First Division Monument is easy to reach on Washington, D.C.’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Ford's Theatre and Corcoran Gallery of Art. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Washington, D.C. travel guide.
See the full Washington, D.C. travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.