555.5 ft. later…
The Washington Monument, one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C., is a perpetual tribute to George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- Designed by: Robert Mills. Numerous architects collaborated on the final design.
- Construction Began: The monument was completed in 1884, but wasn’t officially opened until 1888 due to the Civil War.
- Height: At 555 feet 5 1/8 inches (169 meters), it remains the tallest stone structure and obelisk in the world.
- Material: The monument is made of white marble, granite, and blue stone from Massachusetts and Maryland.
- Key Features: The Washington Monument is a four-sided, tapering tower with a pyramid-shaped top. Its interior houses an elevator that takes visitors to an observation deck with stunning views of the National Mall. On the monument’s base is an inscription dedicated to George Washington: “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the hearts of his countrymen.” Inside the monument are stones donated by states and foreign countries to honor the First President. The Washington Monument represents Washington’s pivotal role in the nation’s founding, symbolizing leadership, strength, and the ideals of the American Republic.
Fun Fact:
- The difference in color of the stone halfway up the monument is noticeable due to a construction delay in the 1850s, which led to a gap in sourcing materials.
Washington D.C 