In his will, James Smithsonian stated that if his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, should die without heirs, the entire Smithsonian ($10.1 million in 2008 U.S. Dollars) Estate should go to the United States Government, for the purpose of creating an "Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." Henry James did die without heirs, and on July 1, 1836, Congress accepted the donation. This was the origin of the Smithsonian Institute.

Washington Museums Provide Collections of History

Tourism is alive and well in Washington, DC. Thanks to the many museums of the Smithsonian Institute, an almost endless collection of historical items is on display. Here are a few of the museums and some of their historical items:

• National Air and Space Museum – The Enola Gay, the Concorde and the Wright Flyer, the first plane to ever fly, are all famous aircraft. All are on display in this collection.
• National Museum of Natural History – The Hope and the Wittlesbach-Graff Diamonds are both from India and both share a rare, blue color. They are two of the most famous gemstones on Earth.
• National Museum of American History – Visitors will see the 30x34 foot flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner. Also in the collection are the John Bull Locomotive, Clara Barton's Red Cross Ambulance and a nearly 170 year old marble statue of George Washington.
• National Postal Museum – Located in the old Post Office building next to Union Station, this museum honors the United States Postal Service. Among the featured exhibits are a tribute to the Pony Express, who's 18 month existence ended 150 years ago.

Another Collection in Washington, DC-Animals

Not all of the items on display in the museum are ancient fossils or other remnants from a bygone era. At the National Zoological Park, the featured attractions are alive and well. The National Zoo is home to some 2000 animals from 400 different species. Among the residents:

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