The Washington Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington DC, standing tall and proud in the heart of the nation's capital. As an expert in American history and architecture, I am often asked about the tallness of this magnificent structure. In this article, I will delve into the height of the Washington Monument and its significance in American history.
The History of the Washington Monument
The idea for a monument to honor America's first president, George Washington, was first proposed in 1783 by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the architect who designed the layout of Washington DC. However, it wasn't until 1833 that the Washington National Monument Society was formed to raise funds for the construction of the monument.The society held a design competition, and the winning design was submitted by Robert Mills, a prominent architect at the time. The construction of the Washington Monument began in 1848, but due to lack of funds and the Civil War, it was put on hold for several years. It wasn't until 1876 that construction resumed, and finally, on December 6, 1884, the monument was completed and opened to the public.
The Height of the Washington Monument
The tallness of the Washington Monument is undoubtedly one of its most striking features. Standing at a staggering 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches, it held the title of the world's tallest structure for five years until it was surpassed by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. However, it still holds the title of the world's tallest stone structure and remains one of the tallest obelisks in the world. The Washington Monument is made up of three main sections: the foundation, the shaft, and the capstone.The foundation is 55 feet deep and made up of granite and marble. The shaft, which is the main body of the monument, is made up of white marble blocks from Maryland and stands at 500 feet tall. The capstone, which is made of aluminum, adds an additional 55 feet to the monument's height.One interesting fact about the Washington Monument's tallness is that it was not originally intended to be so tall. Robert Mills' original design had a height of 600 feet, but due to budget constraints, it was reduced to its current height.
However, in 1876, Congress passed a resolution to add an additional 100 feet to the monument's height, but this was never carried out due to lack of funds.
The Significance of the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is not just a tall structure; it holds great significance in American history. It serves as a tribute to George Washington, who played a crucial role in the founding of the United States. It also serves as a symbol of unity and perseverance, as it was built during a time of great turmoil in American history. The Washington Monument has also been the site of many historic events. In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr.delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the monument during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It has also been used as a backdrop for presidential inaugurations and other important events in American history.
The Washington Monument Today
Today, the Washington Monument remains one of the most visited landmarks in Washington DC, with over 800,000 visitors each year. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The monument is also surrounded by a beautiful park, making it a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. In recent years, the Washington Monument has undergone extensive renovations to repair damage caused by an earthquake in 2011. The monument was closed for almost three years, but it reopened to the public in 2014, with new security measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors.In Conclusion
The Washington Monument is not just a tall structure; it is a symbol of American history and unity.Its height may have been reduced from its original design, but it still stands tall and proud, representing the resilience and determination of the American people. As an expert in American history, I am proud to say that the Washington Monument is a must-see for anyone visiting Washington DC.
