The newly completed Washington Monument is dedicated.

The Washington Monument, an iconic obelisk, stands majestically within the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This towering tribute was meticulously constructed to honor George Washington, a pivotal figure in American history, revered as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1784 and subsequently as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Its prominent location, almost directly east of the serene Reflecting Pool and the solemn Lincoln Memorial, solidifies its place as a central fixture in the nation's capital.

This magnificent monument, crafted from a blend of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, holds the distinction of being both the world's tallest predominantly stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk. Its impressive height is recorded slightly differently depending on the survey; the U.S. National Geodetic Survey, measured between 2013-2014, states it stands at 554 feet 7+11⁄32 inches (169.046 m) tall, while the National Park Service's 1884 measurement reports it at 555 feet 5+1⁄8 inches (169.294 m) tall. Furthermore, when measured from its pedestrian entrances, it remains the tallest monumental column globally. For a brief, yet significant, period between 1884 and 1889, the Washington Monument proudly held the title of the world's tallest structure, surpassing the grand Cologne Cathedral, a testament to 19th-century American ambition. Its reign was eventually superseded by the groundbreaking completion of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, marking a new era in architectural innovation.

A Challenging Construction Journey

The journey to complete this presidential memorial was a long and arduous one, beginning in 1848. However, its construction faced a significant halt for 23 years, from 1854 to 1877, plagued by a confluence of challenges: a dire lack of funds, intense struggles for control within the Washington National Monument Society, and the tumultuous period of the American Civil War. While the impressive stone structure itself was completed by 1884, the intricate internal ironwork, the shaping of the surrounding knoll, and the meticulous installation of the many memorial stones took additional years, finally concluding in 1888. A fascinating visual detail, visible to any keen observer, is a distinct difference in the shading of the marble, appearing approximately 150 feet (46 m) or about 27% up from the base. This subtle yet powerful demarcation vividly illustrates where construction ceased and later recommenced, signaling the use of marble sourced from a different quarry after the long hiatus.

The monument's original vision came from Robert Mills (1781–1855), a distinguished architect from South Carolina. His initial grand design included a colonnade at the base, but practical constraints, primarily a lack of funds, led to the decision to proceed solely with the stark yet powerful bare obelisk we see today. The cornerstone of this monumental endeavor was ceremoniously laid on July 4, 1848, a fitting date for a tribute to national independence. Construction slowly resumed, with the first stone placed atop the unfinished stump on August 7, 1880. The capstone was triumphantly set on December 6, 1884, with the completed monument dedicated on February 21, 1885, and finally, officially opened to the public on October 9, 1888, marking the culmination of decades of effort.

Architectural Details and Interior Wonders

The Washington Monument is designed as a hollow Egyptian style stone obelisk, a powerful architectural statement. Its main column rises an impressive 500 feet (152.4 m), gracefully topped by a 55-foot (16.8 m) tall pyramidion. At its base, the walls are a robust 15 feet (4.6 m) thick, gradually tapering to a thickness of 1+1⁄2 feet (0.46 m) at their summit. The marble pyramidion itself, remarkably, features thin walls, merely 7 inches (18 cm) thick, ingeniously supported by six arches: two major arches spanning between opposite walls, crossing at the pyramidion's center, and four smaller corner arches providing additional strength. Crowning the pyramidion is a large marble capstone, adorned with a small aluminum pyramid at its very apex, bearing inscriptions on all four sides – a subtle yet significant detail.

The lowest 150 feet (45.7 m) of the monument's walls, representing the initial construction phase from 1848 to 1854, consist of a pile of bluestone gneiss rubble, bound by a generous amount of mortar, and faced with semi-finished marble stones approximately 1+1⁄4 feet (0.4 m) thick. In stark contrast, the upper 350 feet (106.7 m) of the walls, built during the second phase from 1880 to 1884, feature finely finished marble surface stones, half of which extend into the walls, partially backed by equally finished granite stones, accounting for the noticeable color difference. Within its grand interior, iron stairs gracefully spiral up the walls, offering a historical ascent, while a modern elevator sits centrally, each supported by four iron columns that are independent of the main stone structure. The stairs are divided into fifty sections, primarily along the north and south walls, punctuated by numerous long landings stretching along the east and west walls. These landings were strategically designed to allow visitors easy viewing of the many inscribed memorial stones of various materials and sizes (a feature accessible until 1976), with just one particularly challenging-to-view memorial stone nestled between stair sections. The pyramidion provides stunning vistas through its eight observation windows, two on each side, and is safely illuminated for aircraft with eight red warning lights, also two per side. Protecting this majestic structure from the elements are two aluminum lightning rods, expertly connected via the elevator support columns to ground water.

Enduring Legacy and Modern Resilience

The monument's substantial present foundation, 37 feet (11.3 m) thick, incorporates half of its original bluestone gneiss rubble, now encased in concrete for enhanced stability. At the northeast corner of this foundation, 21 feet (6.4 m) below ground, lies the marble cornerstone, carefully preserving a zinc case filled with memorabilia – a time capsule of its beginnings. A striking circle of poles, centered on the monument, proudly flies fifty American flags, creating a powerful visual testament to national unity. In 2001, a temporary screening facility was wisely added to the entrance, a necessary measure to bolster security and prevent potential threats. The monument's resilience was tested by an earthquake in 2011, which caused minor damage, leading to its closure until 2014 for repairs. It underwent further closure from August 2016 to September 2019 for critical elevator system repairs, security upgrades, and the mitigation of soil contamination, ensuring its continued grandeur and accessibility for future generations as a cherished historic landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Washington Monument

What is the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument is an iconic obelisk situated within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., serving as a grand memorial to a pivotal figure in American history.
Who does the Washington Monument commemorate?
It commemorates George Washington, who served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1784) and later as the first President of the United States (1789–1797).
How tall is the Washington Monument?
According to the U.S. National Geodetic Survey (2013–14), it stands 554 feet 7+11⁄32 inches (169.046 m) tall. The National Park Service (1884) reported it as 555 feet 5+1⁄8 inches (169.294 m) tall. It is also the world's tallest predominantly stone structure and tallest obelisk.
When was the Washington Monument built?
Construction began in 1848 but faced a significant 23-year halt (1854–1877). The stone structure was completed in 1884, dedicated in 1885, and officially opened to the public on October 9, 1888, marking a long and complex construction history.
What materials were used in its construction?
The monument is constructed primarily from marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, contributing to its distinct appearance and durability.
Is the Washington Monument open to visitors?
Historically, yes, offering tours to the top. However, it has undergone several closures for maintenance and repairs, including due to an earthquake in 2011 and elevator system upgrades between 2016 and 2019. Visitors should check the official National Park Service website for current operating status and accessibility information.