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Walking Tour of Walt Whitman's Washington, DC

From , former About.com Guide

The Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washngton, DC
Walking Tour of Walt Whitman's Washington, DC

Round Robin Bar

Courtesy of the Willard Hotel

Just a few feet away from Freedom's Plaza is our next stop. Head west on Pennsylvania Ave, NW towards 14th Street, NW until you reach The Willard Intercontinental Hotel. The Willard Hotel has played host and home to most of many of our celebrated leaders, writers, and even actors. This hotel is full of history and well-worth a stop. The hotel's Round Robin Bar was immortalized in Whitman's poem, "The Battle of Bull Run":

Resolution, manliness, seem to have abandoned Washington….Willard's is full of shoulder-straps…Sneak, blow, put on airs there in Willard's sumptuous parlors and barrooms or anywhere-no explanation shall save you. Bull Run is your work.

If you are feeling a little thirsty, stop by the bar and order up the drink that Henry Clay first mixed at the Willard--the mint julep.

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