The March on Washington, 1963

On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 demonstrators descended upon the nation’s capital to participate in the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” Not only was it the largest demonstration for human rights in United States history, but it also occasioned a rare display of unity among the various civil rights organizations. The event began with a rally at the Washington Monument featuring several celebrities and musicians. Participants then marched the mile-long National Mall to the Memorial. The three-hour long program at the Lincoln Memorial included speeches from prominent civil rights and religious leaders. The day ended with a meeting between the march leaders and President John F. Kennedy at the White House. — National Archives and Records Administration. The day’s highlight was Martin Luther King’s "I have a Dream" speech, which has been called the greatest speech in American history.

National Park Service. “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” Accessed July 24, 2018. https://www.nps.gov/articles/march-on-washington.htm

 

Artifacts

This photograph is of black and white marchers on August 28, 1963, during the historic March on Washington. Image from Library of Congress.

March on Washington protestors, August 28, 1963. From the Library of Congress.

March on Washington demonstrators with their feet in the Reflecting Pool, 1963

March on Washington demonstrators with their feet in the Reflecting Pool, 1963. From the Library of Congress.

Thousands of demonstrators gather in protest. Aerial photo.

Aerial view of March on Washington, 1963. Courtesy of Library of Congress: Prints and Photography Division