Columbus Circle Fountain Reopens After Nearly Two Decades

After 19 years of being out of commission, the Columbus Circle fountain at Union Station in Washington, D.C. has been restored and is now flowing once again.

The U.S. Department of the Interior shared this news on social media, highlighting the fountain’s significance. In a statement, they noted, “The Columbus Circle fountain at Union Station has been dry since before the first iPhone launched. For the first time since 2007, the fountain is flowing again. Thanks to @POTUS, we are making our Nation’s Capital safe, beautiful and worthy of the greatest nation on Earth.”

It’s interesting to consider how long it’s been since anyone actually saw the fountain work—almost two decades. President Donald Trump, who has overseen various renovation projects during his presidency, is credited with this restoration as part of a broader initiative. Currently, he’s also involved with renovations for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the White House’s East Wing, which is receiving an upgrade that includes a new ballroom.

In March 2025, Trump signed an executive order aimed at enhancing D.C. This included a crackdown on crime, with the fountain’s restoration included in its later phases. The White House even posted a comparison image showing the fountain during Biden’s presidency, when “FREE GAZA” was painted on it, to emphasize the changes happening now.

Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum commented on the reopening, declaring, “Decline is a choice. Decay is a choice.” He emphasized that the current administration, through its actions, is opting for renewal and beauty instead of decay. “Today, Columbus Circle once again reflects the pride, strength, and promise of the United States of America,” he concluded.

The Columbus Circle, an essential entry point for train travelers, features the Columbus Memorial fountain, designed by Lorado Taft and unveiled in 1912 with great fanfare that included parades and concerts. The fountain’s centerpiece, a 45-foot shaft, showcases a 15-foot statue of Christopher Columbus, with representations on either side that symbolize both the Old World and the New World. There’s even a carving of the Santa Maria’s prow at the statue’s base, a nod to Columbus’ famous journey.