Designed in 1791 by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the Ellipse by the White House is officially called the President's Park South. It is a gathering place in Washington, D.C. During the Civil War, it was a camp site for Union troops. Beginning in 1923, it became the location of the National Christmas Tree. It is also the home of the zero milestone, which is the point for the measurement of distance from Washington on U.S. highways. In warm weather, the Ellipse accommodates at least two soccer games at once. It serves as a favorite walking place for federal employees during their lunch breaks. Today, it was too cold for walks and too cold for sitting on benches and too cold even for tourists.
Great pic! I like the sun spot purplish shading inside the tree. Also the contrast between the straight verticality of the monument versus the curved rising lines of the trees. Super!