In the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood of southwest Washington, and I’ve come across Washington’s most unusual museum: The Transportation Walk outside the headquarters of the US Department of Transportation.
This is a museum that’s not in a museum. It traces the history of transportation on our continent from that used by indigenous people to today. And it shows this evolution through artifacts, plaques, and sidewalk pavers. It covers the short-lived pony express, the importance of the Erie Canal, the role of African Americans in building the railroads, the impact of the interstate highway system, and much more.
And as you walk around the building you find some great stuff – landing gear, tires, propellers, gas pumps, old travel posters – this is such a great idea.
And as I walk around here, I wonder what the next addition to this museum will be. Will it be a car with an obsolete combustion engine or a new EV charging station?
The neighborhood’s worth a visit. It used to a light industrial area – a cement factory, autobody shops, and such. But today it’s worth a visit, especially if you going to a game at nearby Nationals Park. There are shops, restaurants, and the Yards Park, which I’ll save for another blog.
But for whatever reason brings you down to Capitol Riverfront this is a fun way to learn how we’ve gotten from here to there.
