The history of the National Mall dates back to the early days of the United States, as it was originally conceived as part of Pierre L’Enfant's grand plan for the city of Washington. President Andrew Jackson held an Inaugural Parade on the Mall in 1829 and a Statue of George Washington was unveiled in the center of the park in 1840. During the Civil War, the National Mall became a site of intense conflict during the Battle of Fort Stevens in July 1864, and in April 1968, it served as the venue for thousands of mourners who gathered to honor Martin Luther King Jr., following his assassination. Today, the National Mall is home to several iconic and historical monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, a grand structure honoring the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is another iconic landmark that depicts the names of U.S. soldiers lost during the Vietnam War. The National World War II Memorial honors the more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during World War II, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial located near the Reflecting Pool, honors soldiers of the Korean War. Additionally, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial can be found on the Mall. Each monument provides a unique glimpse into the rich history of America, and all of them draw thousands of visitors every year.