Part of Pierre L'Enfant's plan for this grand city was a "vast esplanade" at its center, linking the Capitol and the Potomac River. But by the 1860's the Mall was crisscrossed by railroad tracks, a cattle depot was erected near the base of the uncompleted Washington Monument, and the stench of the Washington Canal's sewage hung over it all. In the early 1900s the McMillan Commission made recommendations to Congress that would help make the Mall the noble green-sward L'Enfant had envisioned. Today, its 2 miles encompass the Smithsonian's museum buildings; the memorials to Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson; and the Constitution Gardens with the Vietnam Memorial. In spring, the Tidal Basin's cherry blossoms dazzle; in summer, people fly kites, play Frisbee, picnic, and attend festivals; in West Potomac Park (the Mall's west end) they even play polo.
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