Water flowed again Thursday from D.C.’s Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain, ending a two-decade drought for the historic structure that sits outside Union Station.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cut the ribbon on the now-functioning fountain as one of the White House’s restoration projects around the District in the lead-up to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration this summer.
“This fountain sat broken for nearly two decades, and this grand symbol, this grand entrance to the Capitol was a symbol of neglect versus one of inspiration,” Mr. Burgum said at the ceremony.
“President Trump understands something important, which is great countries build great things,” he added. “But a choice was made about restoration over deterioration, and a choice was made about beauty over blight.”
The monument, first built in 1912, commemorates Columbus’ voyage to the Americas in 1492.
The 15-foot-tall fountain stopped working in 2007 and had run dry ever since. Officials said the memorial will reopen to the public Friday after fencing is taken down.
The Trump administration has prioritized refurbishing fountains around the District as part of beautification efforts in the city.
Mr. Burgum said 23 of the 28 fountains in the nation’s capital, such as one in Lafayette Square by the White House and another in Freedom Plaza near the John A. Wilson Building, will also be restored.
Federal renovators recently brought Meridian Hill Park’s large, cascading fountain back to life after it had lain dormant since 2019.
Mr. Duffy further announced that $465 million in taxpayer money will go toward making structural repairs to Union Station and upgrading the customer experience at the train hub.
