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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User Reviews

Ruplekha Biswas (2 years ago)
Wonderful structure so tall that I can see it from our flight. Central attraction of the mall. You can take the some awesome view of surroundings from the top. But you have to get the tickets 30 days before. One days advance tickets are very rarely available. So try for the 1 month before tickets those are easy to get. Public restrooms is near by.

Zoe Ryan (2 years ago)
Be sure to buy tickets 30 days in advance, only $1 to reserve. I was there a little early and as it was quite they let us in, you go through security and then up the lift, you arrive to the top floor to look a views, then Go downstairs to a small museum, then on the way down the lift it slows to show you old stones that were gifted during it’s construction. Would highly recommend

Ondřej Huvar (2 years ago)
I would say the Washington Monument is a cool piece of architecture and an important part of the US history. However, I personally do not like its look, and I don't think it fits into the DC. I have seen the original plans for its final look, and they were so much better and more beautiful. I definitely recommend taking a tour to the top of the Monument, it is a must see. The views are beautiful, and there are nice historical exhibitions. Book the tour in advance if you can. If not, please arrive EARLY to buy same-day tickets. Selling starts 8:45, make sure to be there an hour before that. Otherwise good look. It is worth.

Rajesh Verma (2 years ago)
Very cool piece of history. The elevator ride is very quick. You get great views of the National Mall from the top. Seeing the stone behind the glass is nice. The State carvings were very cool. The rangers are very knowledgeable and give you all the time you need to check out the 500 foot and 490 foot levels. Make sure you get tickets early. They are available 30 days and 1 day in advance online and morning of in person.

Erika Gardner (2 years ago)
This monument is impressive and amazing to visit the grounds are really clean, a lot security around. Great place to walk around, ride a bike, relax, take pictures and/or have lunch from the food trucks. The structure is magnificent piece of Art, the monument is more beautiful in person, I definitely recommend it to anyone. The Washington Monument is an obelisk within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army (1775–1784) in the American Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States (1789–1797).

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