U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center
2000 Ash Road, Washington, D.C.
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Education Center Hours: Thurs–Sun, 9:00AM–3:00PM
- Restrooms — Available to the east, past District of Columbia War Memorial and towards WWII Memorial Information kiosk. Daytime hours vary
During the government shutdown, this site will be closed. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown.
The U.S. Park Police Horse Stables were originally constructed in 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, and they were intended to be a temporary structure. In partnership with the Trust for the National Mall, the National Park Service initiated a project to build a fully redesigned, state-of-the-art stables complex.
The stables restoration was completed in 2023 and included sustainable structures, ample space for horse care and exercise, and the addition of an education center. The public can learn about the horses and the history of the National Mall’s mounted unit through hands-on exhibits, videos, and talking with the volunteers.
A mounted police unit is a specialized division within a police force in which officers patrol on horseback. These units are often used for crowd control, patrolling large public areas, and participating in community events. Mounted police can be particularly effective in managing large crowds due to the height advantage and mobility provided by the horses. Mounted units also often engage in public relations activities, helping to foster positive interactions between the police and the community.
The U.S. Park Police Mounted Unit is one of the oldest and most beloved equestrian units in the country. Starting in 1934 with just one horse rented from a local stable, the unit expanded over the following decades to provide guidance, protection and a friendly equine presence on the National Mall.
Take a virtual stroll through this National Mall site
Videos
History
Timeline of events
The Park Watchmen were first recruited by George Washington to protect federal property in the District of Columbia.
The unit is placed under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior, having previously been an independent agency of the federal government.
Congress transferred the police to the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds, under the supervision of the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers.
The Watchmen were given the same powers and duties as the Metropolitan Police of Washington.
The Lockkeeper's House was partially renovated to serve as the unit headquarters; the roof and floors were replaced, and four dormer windows and a holding cell were added.
The agency was officially renamed as the United States Park Police.
Congress places the Park Police in the newly created Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital.
Executive Order 6166, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, abolished the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital and assigned their functions to the Office of National Parks, Buildings, and Reservations in the Department of the Interior, placing the Park Police under the jurisdiction of what would become the National Park Service.
The mobile unit begins with one horse from a local stable.
The original stables open for the U.S. Bicentennial celebration.
Groundbreaking for the new facility occurs.
Construction is completed.
The U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center opens to the public.
Key Features
The U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center is an impressive facility with fourteen total stalls and two public viewing paddocks with double fencing for visitors to safely observe the horses.
The facility also contains:
Reflection Questions
High school learners: Our nation’s past is complex and often provokes reflection, especially as we look to the future.
Here are a few questions to inspire deeper thinking:
- How does the mounted police unit engage with the community?
- What are some challenges faced by the mounted police unit?
- What role does the mounted police unit play in protecting free speech and the right to protest?
Educational Activities
Other Resources
Interested in learning more? The following links will provide you with additional context and information: