Edward R. Murrow Park

A Touch of History in Downtown DC

Tucked away at the corner of H Street NW and 18th Street NW sits Edward R. Murrow Park, a modest green space with a remarkable backstory. Named after Edward R. Murrow, the legendary broadcast journalist whose powerful radio dispatches from Europe during World War II changed how Americans understood global conflict, this National Park site honors Murrow's groundbreaking contributions to journalism with a commemorative plaque unveiled on April 25, 1979 - what would have been his 71st birthday.

A Breathing Space Among Skyscrapers

In the concrete jungle of downtown DC, this park offers a welcome patch of greenery where you can catch your breath. The space is dotted with benches that fill up quickly during lunch hours as nearby office workers escape their cubicles for a moment of fresh air. Tall trees create pools of shade across the park - a blessing during DC's notoriously humid summers. If you're visiting in spring, you'll see the magnolia trees in bloom, with delicate pink flowers that add color to this urban corner.

What You'll Find There

Pack a sandwich and claim one of the picnic tables for an impromptu outdoor lunch. Cyclists will appreciate the thoughtful addition of a free air pump and tool kit available for quick bike fixes - a practical amenity for cyclists passing through. Located just a few blocks from The White House and surrounded by hotels and restaurants, it's an easy stop to incorporate into your exploration of downtown Washington.

More Than Just a Pretty Space

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Edward R. Murrow Park has served as an important civic space over the years. The park stepped into the spotlight in April 2009 when activists gathered here to protest the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. In 2011, it became one of the sites for the Occupy D.C. movement, continuing a long American tradition of public spaces representing forums for free expression and democratic participation.