Pershing Park

Pershing Park, named for the famous General John J. Pershing, is located in the United States capital, Washington, D. C. Situated at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, this small park contains a statue honoring General Pershing, benches and a wall naming his accomplishments, gardens, a pond and a fountain. Ice skating takes place on the pond when it freezes in the winter.

General Pershing's life and career

John J. Pershing, a native of Missouri, was born in 1860 and taught school prior to beginning his military career. After years of illustrious service, Pershing received a promotion to the rank of brigadier general by President Theodore Roosevelt. He was assigned to command the American Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War I. When the war ended, he joined George Washington as the only other American to hold the title of General of the Armies.

The park

The land on which the park sits was named Pershing Square in 1957 and was planted as a garden in 1963. Years went by before anyone could agree on how to develop the area around Pennsylvania Avenue, including Pershing Park, so it remained incomplete for years. Finally, in 1979, construction on the park as it is now known began. The park officially opened on May 14, 1981. It is both an attractive space and an appropriate memorial to one of the most celebrated generals in the nation's history.

Many of the parks under the management of the National Park Service are sprawling tracts of land featuring a dizzying array of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy; in comparison, Pershing Park seems tiny. However, this lovely little gem has its own pleasures, and is certainly worth visiting for its historical, natural and recreational charms.