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Washington Monument
The history...
The Washington Monument, an iconic symbol of the United States, stands proudly on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This towering obelisk honors George Washington, the nation’s first president, and serves as a testament to his enduring legacy and the birth of the American republic.
The idea for a monument to honor George Washington was first proposed in 1783 by the Continental Congress. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century that serious efforts to build the monument began.
The Washington National Monument Society, formed in 1833, spearheaded the fundraising and design efforts. Renowned architect Robert Mills was chosen to design the monument, envisioning an impressive obelisk surrounded by a circular colonnade.
Construction of the Washington Monument began on July 4, 1848, with the laying of the cornerstone. Progress was slow due to limited funds and political conflicts. By 1854, the monument stood only about 152 feet tall when construction halted. The outbreak of the Civil War further delayed progress, and it wasn't until 1876 that efforts to complete the monument resumed, thanks to funding from the federal government.
The Army Corps of Engineers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Lincoln Casey, took over the project. They modified Mills' original design, opting to build a simple, yet elegant obelisk without the proposed colonnade. The Washington Monument was finally completed on December 6, 1884, and officially dedicated on February 21, 1885.
Standing at 555 feet 5 1/8 inches tall, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world at the time of its completion. The monument is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, and its walls are 15 feet thick at the base. Inside, a series of commemorative stones donated by various states, cities, and countries line the stairway.
Today, the Washington Monument is a focal point of the National Mall and attracts millions of visitors annually. An elevator takes visitors to the observation deck at 500 feet, offering panoramic views of the capital city.
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