omega236's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Washington, D.C.

U.S. Naval Observatory Library

A hoard of sky catalogs, astrophysical journals, even the works of Galileo and Copernicus.
Washington, D.C.

FDR's Bomb Shelter

The first presidential bomb shelter was located in an old vault under the Treasury, connected to the White House via tunnel.
Washington, D.C.

The Mansion on O Street

With over 100 jam-packed rooms to explore plus elaborate tea services and events, the Mansion on O Street is a hidden treasure.
Washington, D.C.

Memorial to Japanese-American Patriotism in World War II

An unassuming, powerful monument north of the U.S. Capitol bears witness to the resilience of Japanese Americans during a time of grave injustice.
Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian Sushi Collection

Seemingly unremarkable items like empty sushi trays, chef hats, and freshness stickers are being preserved so future generations can look back on this beloved cultural import.
Washington, D.C.

Organization of American States Building

The grand marble structure next to the White House is Andrew Carnegie's temple to Pan-American diplomacy.
Washington, D.C.

Alferd Packer Cannibal Plaque

A brass plaque dedicated to a convicted cannibal hangs in the National Press Club, and that's not even the craziest part of the story.
Washington, D.C.

House of the Temple

This imposing Masonic temple a mile from the White House was the first public library in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.

Titanic Memorial

This lonely waterfront memorial to the men of the Titanic was erected by the "Women of America."
Washington, D.C.

USNO Master Clock

The most accurate timepiece in the world.
Washington, D.C.

Maine Avenue Fish Market

The oldest continuously operating fish market in the United States.
Washington, D.C.

Starship Enterprise NCC-1701

The actual model from the original "Star Trek" series is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum.
Washington, D.C.

National Building Museum

Fittingly, America's museum of architecture is itself a magnificently designed old building.
Washington, D.C.

Summerhouse

A hidden gem on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Portland, Oregon

Reed College Research Reactor

World's only nuclear reactor operated by liberal arts undergraduates.
Asheville, North Carolina

The Grove Park Inn

The U.S. Supreme Court's secret Cold War relocation facility in the mountains of North Carolina.
Aurland, Norway

Laerdal Tunnel

Longest road tunnel in the world features an air treatment plant and the illusion of daylight.
Chicago, Illinois

Lower Lower Wacker Drive

Illegal drag racing two stories beneath Chicago’s streets.
Rotterdam, Netherlands

Maastunnel

The Netherlands' first car tunnel has an unusually rectangular shape.
New York, New York

Grand Central Ceiling Dark Patch

A dark patch of the ceiling at Grand Central Terminal which was not restored is still stained brown by tobacco.
New York, New York

Tammany Hall

The notorious headquarters of a corrupt political machine.
New York, New York

The Daily News Building Globe

Spinning silently in the lobby of an Art Deco masterwork is a massive vintage model of the Earth.
New York, New York

The Hidden Holocaust Memorial of Madison Park

A Manhattan courthouse hides a small but scathing memorial to Holocaust injustice.
New York, New York

Hess Triangle

New York City's smallest piece of private property.