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