During the American Civil War, a registered nurse named Clara Barton actively treated wounded soldiers. When the battles ended in 1865, she campaigned to find over 22,000 men missing in action. This is when she became familiar with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. Greatly inspired, she initiated the American Red Cross in 1881. As much as you probably appreciate the selfless mission of the Red Cross, you might be inclined to walk by their headquarters on 17th Street. However, the ARC building is worth a quick visit to admire the stained glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. They date back to 1917 when this U. S. National Historic Landmark opened.
