Meridian Hill Park is one of the most unique parks in the National Park System. It is a 12-acre neoclassical park reminiscent of an Italian villa garden. Prior to becoming a national park, the area had been part of an estate called Meridian Hill; home to Columbian College; a Civil War encampment; a seminary; and the home of nature poet Joaquin Miller. It took 26 years—from 1910 to 1936—to complete and cost more than $1 million to construct. When the park opened it contained five statues and memorials (today, there are four), including one for a US president; a 13-basin water cascade; and an elaborate structure made from architectural concrete. Meridian Hill Park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and as a National Historic Landmark.

Fiona J. Clem is the author of the book "Meridian Hill Park." She is also a licensed D.C tour guide and a long-time resident of Adams Morgan and the Meridian Hill area of Washington D.C. She also runs the blog DCMemorialist, and organizes events with Atlas Obscura.