One of the highlights of visiting Washington DC is seeing the Washington Monument. This iconic structure was built in honor of George Washington, the country’s first president.
Constructed of marble, the obelisk shaped monument is 555 feet tall and can be seen throughout the District. The construction of the monument began as a private endeavor by a group that raised funds and commissioned architect Robert Mills to design the building. The work began on the structure in 1848, but the group that started the work declared bankruptcy in 1854 and Mills died in 1855.
In 1876, Congress voted to allow the Army Corp of Engineers under the leadership of James Casey to complete the monument. Once it was completed in 1884, at that time, it was the tallest building in the world. Today visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument. The site is open 24 hours and is majestic, with flags of the 50 states encircling the structure.
Places nearby:Museum of History: The Nation's Treasures 0 km / 0 mi
National Museum of Natural History: The Natural History of the World at the Smithsonian 0 km / 0 mi
The White House: America's First Home 0 km / 0 mi
The National Gallery Of Art: Displays Many Iconic Art Works 1 km / 0 mi
National Zoological Park, Washington D.C.: One of the Oldest Zoos in the Country 4 km / 2 mi
