Visiting DC's lesser-known monuments and memorials

There are a lot of cool details that make this display really unique. A path takes you past four scenes that each represent one term of FDR's presidency, which spanned an incredible 12 years, from the Great Depression to World War II. Another interesting bit is that it's the only memorial to honor a First Lady as well: a scene shows the prolific Eleanor Roosevelt with the United Nations emblem. It's also really awesome that the memorial was design with those who have disabilities in mind (given Roosevelt's polio, which left him wheelchair bound). The memorial even pays tribute to FDR's beloved Scottie dog, Fala.

This lovely tribute commemorates one of the forgotten Founding Fathers: George Mason of Virginia. He penned the Virginia Declaration of Rights and was a member of the 1787 Constitutional Convention... although he abstained from signing the US Constitution because it didn't abolish the slave trade and he felt it didn't protect the rights of the individual from the government enough. He's known as the "Father of the Bill of Rights", which definitely makes him one of the more important, if lesser known, Founding Fathers.

The abstract design of this one is a departure from the usual statues, columned buildings and obelisks that make up most memorials. The three swooping spires, which stand at an impressive 270 feet high, mimic the contrails of Air Force Thunderbirds performing a bomb burst maneuver. Other details include a Runway to Glory, a glass contemplation wall, honor guard statues, and an Air Force star.

This one is just plain quirky. Benjamin C. Grenup was a fireman in D.C. way back in the day who died after being run over by a water wagon. The obelisk has tons of details calling to mind his profession, like the fire hose and nozzles, the fire axe, torch, and spanner wrench and the fire hydrants that adorn the memorial. It also features a relief that illustrates his death.