Yep, I had never heard of it before either. Which is too bad really, because it’s a pretty cool monument. The Netherlands Carillon is located adjacent to the Iwo Jima Memorial and beside the Arlington Cemetery, just outside of Washington, DC.
The Carillon is basically a bell tower that was created in 1952 when the Dutch Queen Juliana presented President Truman with a small silver bell in appreciation for the aid that the United States gave the Netherlands after WWII.
Over the next few years, more bells were made and sent to DC until there was a total of 49 bells (a 50th bell was added in 1995, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands). The largest bell is 6’9″ diameter and ways 12,654 pounds. The smallest bell is 8″ in diameter and weighs 35 pounds. All together, the bells weigh approximately 61,403 pounds (30 tons).
In 1960, the bells were installed in the tower.
The tower was dedicated on May 5, 1960.
It stands at approximately 127 feet high and is 36 feet wide.
Visitors are able to climb the steel stairs inside the tower that lead to the top.
Just be careful because it’s a long way down.
At the top of the stairs is a landing located directly under the bells. You can view the city, which is only a few miles away.
Or you can look at the Arlington Cemetery, which is next door.
There are two bronze lions which guard the steps leading to the plaza.
And on the ground beside the tower is this large circle. While it looks cool, I have no idea of the meaning behind it.
The Carillon is a beautiful monument tucked away from the big city that offers a spectacular view of the city and the pealing of the bells is a nice surprise. I really enjoyed hearing their song, which was unexpected as I didn’t realize that the bells worked. But they do work, in fact, they are programed to play various songs at different times. (Click here for a schedule.)
It’s definitely worth the time to visit, especially if you want to see something historical without driving downtown.
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