The NATO Embassy Driving Tour

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As one of the oldest nations in Europe, Portugal has almost eight centuries of history: from the Napoleonic Wars to its independence in 1791. Portugal and the United States established diplomatic relations this year, making Portugal the first neutral nations to forge ties with the young republic. In 1949, Portugal became a founding member of NATO and later joined the European Union. The Embassy of Portugal was established to maintain bilateral relations with the United States. The chancery is located along Embassy Row in the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District.

2. Embassy of Estonia

The Embassy of Estonia was established in Washington, D.C. in 1922, the same year the United States recognized Estonia as an independent nation. Estonia was included in the Soviet sphere of influence after World War II and was occupied by Soviet troops from 1940-1991. However, the embassy in Washington remained functional throughout the Soviet occupation of Estonia. When Soviet troops left Estonia on August 20, 1991, Estonia again became an independent nation. Estonia's chancery in D.C.'s historic Embassy Row was originally built in 1905 for a local doctor. It was then home to the Peruvian Embassy and the Landon School for Boys before acquired by the Estonian government in 1994. With its unique flatiron structure and beautiful architecture, it is considered a contributing property of the Sheridan-Kalorama Historic District and the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District.

3. Embassy of Greece

The Embassy of Greece is located near Sheridan Circle along Embassy Row in Washington, D.C. It is composed of three buildings, with the oldest, central structure dating back to 1906. The United States and Greece have maintained diplomatic relations since 1868, a few decades after Greece declared independence. Since then, Greek-American relations have blossomed, with an early commercial treaty regulating trade between the two nations, partnership through NATO, and a variety of Greek communities calling the United States home. The Greek Embassy building is part of the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District, significant for its architecture and diplomatic history.

4. Embassy of Latvia

Latvia initially declared independence on November 18, 1918; however, the country was included in the USSR's Sphere of Influence. Because of this, it was occupied by Soviet troops until Latvia, again, declared independence in August, 1991. Since regaining independence, Latvian-American relations have steadily increased to include political, economic, trade, and cultural relations. In 2004, Latvia joined NATO, which strengthened the relations between the two countries even more.

5. Embassy of Slovenia

Slovenian-American relations date to the late 1700s, when the first Slovenian immigrants came to the United States. However, the United States did not formally recognize Slovenia until April 7, 1992. Since then, Slovenia and the United States have developed strong relations on a range of issues. The Embassy of Slovenia actively promotes relations with the United States along with Slovenian culture and language.

6. Embassy of Turkey

The Embassy of Turkey was established on this site in 1999. Turkey's relations with the United States date back to 1831, when Turkey was still part of the Ottoman Empire. The U.S. severed relations during World War I and reestablished them in 1927. The United States and Turkey forged an alliance in the post-World War II era, with Turkey joining NATO in 1952. The two countries share common interests, which strengthen their alliance and partnerships, though their relations have been strained due to conflicts in the Middle East.

7. Embassy of Italy

The Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. preserves relations between Italy and the United States. It is the largest Italian embassy around the world. The building, completed in 2000, was designed by Italian architect Piero Sartogo. It is located on Embassy Row, the largest concentration of embassies in the city. The Italian Embassy is occasionally open to public events such as the EU Open House.

8. British Embassy, Washington, D.C.

The British Embassy in Washington, D.C. maintains a close relationship with the United States and provides consular assistance to British nationals. Britain and the United States have one of the longest and most significant international alliances, dating back to 1785. The British representative body moved around D.C. eleven times before establishing the complex on Massachusetts Avenue in the 1920s. The complex consists of the Ambassador’s Residence, built in the 1920s and part of the Massachusetts Avenue Historic District, landscaped grounds and gardens, and a contemporary office space built in the 1950s. Though not open for tours, the British Embassy occasionally hosts public events such as the EU Open House.

This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.

The NATO Embassy Driving Tour

Created by HST 231 (Marshall University) on May 3rd 2017, 7:45:48 pm.

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Description

This tour takes you to various NATO Embassies located on or along Massachusetts Avenue, which is known as Embassy Row. However, there are so many nations participating in NATO that all of them cannot be in one tour. This NATO tour will give you information about the embassy buildings, the country's history, language, food, and culture. The tour includes specific information concerning bilateral relations between the embassy's country and the United States.

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The NATO Embassy Driving Tour

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