We visited the memorial in September the first time. The approach to the gigantic statue is breathtaking. But when we got up close the beautiful area was in such poor condition. We left very depressed. Has DC forgotten about the memorial?!!! The fountains were slimey green and stagnant. The whole area looked so neglected and I'm sure it is. It could be one of the prettiest memorials in Washington, DC.

This was one of those places that I saw on a map and decided to look into. What a great place. We walked from Key Bridge, easy to get to. There is a parking lot from the highway that runs along the patomic. Great nature area. It's a real shame that they have let it get so overgrown, saw some orignial pictures and it was so much more attractive when it wasn't overgrown. Not sure if the water / fountains were turned off due to cost of eneregy or just too early in the year (mid April) but it would be so cool to see it with all the water there. Big granite bowls, large pool area, very nice. The nature trails around the island are also will worth it. They are very nicely laid out and well maintained. Lots of birds, deer. Just a great place to watch people skulling, kayaking, Georgetown, etc. Really suprised that it isn't pushed more.

The History behind it since I am A History proffesor at UGA! Go Dogs!! Best time to visit is in the afternoon when its not hot. Also the best is at night when everything is illuminated.

While staying in Arlington, on the west bank of the Potomac and just south of the Key bridge, I discovered Roosevelt Island and the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial. It is an oasis of calm in the DC environment. I explored it on my morning runs before the business day and can see that not too many make a visit. While I enjoy the solitude of the paths circling the island, and the views they offer, I was surprised to find a simple, but elegant memorial "hidden" there. One of the vertical slabs has a piece entitled "Youth". I committed to memory the verses from it that I thought were most important, and jotted them down when I arrived back at my hotel. I will share them with the four youth in my home and challenge them to find the rest of this and other incriptions from this memorial.