Washington Monument

Washington, D.C., United States

The Washington Monument is an obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first American president. Located almost due east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, the monument, made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, is both the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk (169m).

Construction of the monument began in 1848, and was halted from 1854 to 1877 due to a lack of funds, a struggle for control over the Washington National Monument Society, and the intervention of the American Civil War. Although the stone structure was completed in 1884, internal ironwork, the knoll, and other finishing touches were not completed until 1888.

The original design was by Robert Mills, but he did not include his proposed colonnade due to a lack of funds, proceeding only with a bare obelisk. Despite many proposals to embellish the obelisk, only its original flat top was altered to a pointed marble pyramidion, in 1884. Upon completion, it became the world's tallest structure. The monument held this designation until 1889, when the Eiffel Tower was completed in Paris, France.

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Details

Founded: 1848-1888
Category: Statues in United States

More Information

en.wikipedia.org
www.nps.gov

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

anthony perreault (26 days ago)
I don't get it. Impressive. But I don't get it. It's a very nice monument and if you're walking in the national mall you need to stop and look at it. It's kinda hard to miss anyway. I don't think it's worth the wait to go inside because it's more impressive from the outside.
Pil G (28 days ago)
Great view!! You need about 1 hrs for this because they divide by groups and it takes so.e time to move everybody. Also, make sure to book your tickets in advance. If you don't have tickets, you can get some for some day but they will open office at 845 each day and they have only a certain amount of tickets for the day and line starts around 7:30am.
Abhay Gupta (29 days ago)
_5/5 Stars: A Breathtaking View from the Heart of the Nation - Washington Monument Review_ My visit to the Washington Monument was an unforgettable experience that offered a unique perspective on the nation's capital. This iconic landmark, honoring the first president of the United States, is a must-visit attraction in Washington D.C. As I approached the monument, I was struck by its sheer scale and grandeur. The 555-foot-tall obelisk, designed by Robert Mills, is an impressive feat of engineering and architecture. The monument's sleek, marble exterior glistens in the sunlight, making it a stunning addition to the National Mall. The elevator ride to the top was quick and smooth, offering a glimpse into the monument's intricate stonework and engineering. As I stepped out onto the observation deck, I was awestruck by the breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. The panoramic vista stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building, with the Potomac River and the Virginia skyline visible in the distance. The viewing deck is equipped with informative displays and telescopes, providing a deeper understanding of the monument's history and significance. I spent several minutes taking in the stunning views, snapping photos, and reflecting on the importance of this national landmark. In conclusion, the Washington Monument is an absolute must-visit attraction in Washington D.C. The monument's sheer scale, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views make it an unforgettable experience. _Rating Breakdown:_ - Historical Significance: 5/5 - Architectural Beauty: 5/5 - Views and Observation Deck: 5/5 - Overall Experience: 5/5 _Recommendation:_ Book your tickets in advance to ensure a timed entry, as wait times can be significant. Be prepared for security checks and limited elevator capacity. Consider visiting at sunrise or sunset for a truly unforgettable experience.
cliffb1930 (3 months ago)
Truly a highlight of our visit. Beautiful views from the top and friendly rangers and interesting history, if that’s your thing. We ordered tickets a month in advance via the website. Do not skip this step as onsite tickets are very limited. Regardless, great views from the bottom, but you’ll enjoy the top much more. We arrived a few minutes early, but it took about 15-20 minutes before we took the elevator to the top. You need only about 15 minutes inside so allow about 45 minutes total.
R Scott Domowicz (4 months ago)
Although it is possible to get tickets the same day, you need to be there at 8:30 am to have a chance. It is best to secure tickets 30 days in advance. Make sure you read the information concerning items not permitted through the security check point. They include aresols, nail files, any type of weapon, among other things. The park rangers are very knowledgeable and available to answer any questions. The views are breathtaking.
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