Washington Monument: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox US topic | topic = Washington Monument | image = Washington_Monument_Reflecting_Pool.jpg | caption = The Washington Monument seen from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool | category = Monuments and Memorials }} The '''Washington Monument''' is a towering **obelisk** located on the **National Mall** in **Washington, D.C.**, built to honor **George Washington**, the first President of the United States and Commander of the Continental Army during the American Re..." |
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) mNo edit summary |
||
| (6 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
| category = Monuments and Memorials | | category = Monuments and Memorials | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Washington Monument''' is a towering | The '''Washington Monument''' is a towering '''obelisk''' located on the '''National Mall''' in '''Washington, D.C.''', built to honor '''George Washington''', the first President of the United States and Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
* Designed by architect | * Designed by architect '''Robert Mills''' in the 1840s | ||
* Construction began in | * Construction began in '''1848''', halted due to funding issues and the Civil War, and resumed in the 1870s | ||
* Completed on | * Completed on '''December 6, 1884''', and officially dedicated in '''1885''' | ||
* Opened to the public in | * Opened to the public in '''1888''' | ||
== Design and Dimensions == | == Design and Dimensions == | ||
* A | * A '''555-foot (169 m)''' tall white marble obelisk — the '''tallest stone structure''' and '''tallest obelisk''' in the world | ||
* Constructed with | * Constructed with marble, '''granite''', and '''bluestone gneiss''' | ||
* The slight color change halfway up reflects the gap in construction years | * The slight color change halfway up reflects the gap in construction years | ||
== Interior and Observation Deck == | == Interior and Observation Deck == | ||
* Contains an | * Contains an '''elevator''' and a '''staircase''' with 897 steps (usually closed to the public) | ||
* Visitors can access an | * Visitors can access an '''observation deck''' at the top for panoramic views of D.C., including: | ||
- | - '''Lincoln Memorial''' | ||
- | - '''Capitol Building''' | ||
- | - '''White House''' | ||
* Inside walls contain over | * Inside walls contain over '''190 commemorative stones''' donated by states and civic groups | ||
== Symbolism == | == Symbolism == | ||
| Line 31: | Line 31: | ||
== Restoration and Preservation == | == Restoration and Preservation == | ||
* Damaged in the | * Damaged in the '''2011 Virginia earthquake''' and closed for repairs until 2014 | ||
* Underwent further renovations for elevator modernization and reopened in | * Underwent further renovations for elevator modernization and reopened in '''2019''' | ||
== Fun Facts == | == Fun Facts == | ||
* The aluminum capstone at the top was a technological marvel at the time | * The aluminum capstone at the top was a technological marvel at the time | ||
* No building in Washington, D.C. is allowed to be taller than the monument | * No building in Washington, D.C. is allowed to be taller than the monument | ||
* The monument aligns with the | * The monument aligns with the '''Capitol''', '''White House''', and '''Lincoln Memorial''' in a straight line | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
Latest revision as of 18:09, 21 July 2025
| Washington Monument | |
|---|---|
|
The Washington Monument is a towering obelisk located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States and Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
History
- Designed by architect Robert Mills in the 1840s
- Construction began in 1848, halted due to funding issues and the Civil War, and resumed in the 1870s
- Completed on December 6, 1884, and officially dedicated in 1885
- Opened to the public in 1888
Design and Dimensions
- A 555-foot (169 m) tall white marble obelisk — the tallest stone structure and tallest obelisk in the world
- Constructed with marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss
- The slight color change halfway up reflects the gap in construction years
Interior and Observation Deck
- Contains an elevator and a staircase with 897 steps (usually closed to the public)
- Visitors can access an observation deck at the top for panoramic views of D.C., including:
- Lincoln Memorial - Capitol Building - White House
- Inside walls contain over 190 commemorative stones donated by states and civic groups
Symbolism
- Represents the nation's respect for George Washington's leadership and integrity
- Its placement and height symbolize the central role of the presidency and Washington’s foundational legacy
Restoration and Preservation
- Damaged in the 2011 Virginia earthquake and closed for repairs until 2014
- Underwent further renovations for elevator modernization and reopened in 2019
Fun Facts
- The aluminum capstone at the top was a technological marvel at the time
- No building in Washington, D.C. is allowed to be taller than the monument
- The monument aligns with the Capitol, White House, and Lincoln Memorial in a straight line