Washington, D.C. is full of hidden treasures and historical Easter eggs. Dive into some of the city's most intriguing secrets below. Whether you're exploring with a student group or on your own, these hidden details add a fun and unexpected twist to any visit to the Nation’s Capital!
1. Kilroy Was Here – WWII Memorial
You may have heard the phrase "Kilroy Was Here" and likely seen the character associated with it—a round figure with a long nose peeking over a wall. However, did you know you can also find Kilroy at the WWII Memorial? Tucked into the granite structure on the National Mall, two small carvings of this famous graffiti character are hidden in plain sight. Spotting Kilroy is like uncovering a piece of history's inside joke—proof that humor found its place even during the gravest of times. Kilroy was one of many naval inspectors who marked new ships with the phrase "Kilroy Was Here" to indicate that a section had passed inspection. Various Armed Services branches during WW2 adopted this symbol to signify their arrival at a particular location first. I can't tell you exactly where to find it, as that would ruin the fun, but you might want to check around the backside of the memorial or ask your tour guide for a hint!
Students can find Kilroy at the World War 2 Memorial in Washington, D.C. on their next class trip.
2. George Washington's Sepulchre at the Capitol Building
You've probably heard about the Rotunda and the majestic dome of the Capitol, but did you know there's a crypt underneath it? George Washington's original resting place—a small room or area carved from rock or constructed of stone—was intended to be located right beneath the Capitol as a tribute to the country's first leader and citizen. The central white marble "compass stone" in the floor marks the center of the U.S. Capitol and serves as the point where the city is divided into quadrants: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest. However, the sepulcher was never used for its intended purpose because George Washington wished to be buried at Mount Vernon, his estate in Virginia. Despite this, the crypt remains a hidden piece of presidential history right beneath your feet.
3. Darth Vader - National Cathedral
You read that right! Amid the towering spires and Gothic grandeur of the National Cathedral, a tiny Darth Vader grotesque NOT gargoyle peers down from the northwest tower. It's a nod to a kids' design competition held in the 1980s, and spotting it always brings a smile (and maybe a lighthearted "May the Force be with you"). No matter how many groups I lead here, the group leaders, students, and I still have difficulty picking him out due to the intricate designs of the cathedral's exterior.
The intricacy of the National Cathedral on display in Washington, D.C.
4. The Architect in the Murals - Lincoln Memorial Murals
Francis Bacon, the architect of the Lincoln Memorial, left a little reminder of his role in the project by painting himself into the mural. Look closely at the Angel of Truth mural inside the memorial—you'll see a suspicious figure like Mr. Bacon himself. It's a cheeky way to leave his mark on one of the Nation's most beloved monuments.
5. Lincoln's Profile - National Archives Rotunda
At the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are on display, you'll find a side profile of Abraham Lincoln cleverly hidden among the architectural details. Keep an eye out as you gaze around the Rotunda—it's a subtle homage to Honest Abe. Again, I don't want to give it away, but look to the sky!
6. The Jefferson Pier Stone - Washington Monument on The National Mall
Before GPS and Google Maps, Washington, D.C., had the Jefferson Pier Stone marker. It was placed as a reference point in the city's early days of design and literally where the pier was before the Potomac River was dredged to make way for more of the National Mall. You can still find it near the Washington Monument—a little reminder of how D.C. was laid out initially.
7. Evelyn Beatrice Longman's Signature Under the Pinecones - Lincoln Memorial
If you look closely at the decorative pinecone carvings in the upper molding of the Lincoln Memorial, you'll find something extraordinary. Evelyn Beatrice Longman, a noted sculptor and one of the memorial project's key artists, left her mark by etching her initials, EBL, under the pinecones. It's a subtle yet meaningful nod to her role in shaping one of the Nation's most iconic monuments.
Students at the Lincoln Memorial on their class trip to Washington, D.C.
BONUS: ALL the Eggs - Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Okay, we know this one is more of a "stretch" Easter egg, but it's too fun not to mention. The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History boasts over 109,000 bird egg specimens. More than 33,000 egg clutches (sets of eggs laid together) represent every size, shape, and color you can imagine. It's not exactly hidden, but with so many eggs in one place, it rivals the most extravagant Easter basket.
Plan Your Own Hunt in Washington, D.C.
From Kilroy to Darth Vader, Washington, D.C. is packed with hidden treasures that make every visit unique. Next time you're on a student trip, challenge your group to see how many of these Easter eggs they can find. It's not just a fun scavenger hunt—it's also a great way to uncover the lighter, more whimsical side of our Nation's capital. Even better, try to find some of your own. There are many historical, super nerdy, and somewhat hidden elements in just about any location you visit in the Nation's Capital.
Can you find them all? Follow and tag us on Instagram @gtravelalliance when you spot the hidden Easter eggs! Need to plan your next student trip to see them? Message us now and we can start planning your best D.C. Trip Ever!
