Overview:

The Washington Monument dominates the Capital City skyline as a symbolic tribute to George Washington's military leadership during the American Revolution. The Monument is the world's tallest stone structure as well as the world's tallest obelisk, towering more than 555 feet above the ground and weighing in at 81,120 tons.

Constructed from marble, granite and bluestone gneiss, the monument stands due east of a vast reflecting pool, about one mile from the Lincoln Memorial.

Plans for a national monument began as early as 1783, when Congress proposed that a statue of George Washington be erected. Over the years, due to political turmoil, lack of funds and the Civil War, construction of the monument faced continuous setbacks.

Finally, after decades of delays, the monument was completed in 1884 and was opened to the public on October 9, 1888.

Inserted into the interior walls of the obelisk are 193 memorial stones presented by individuals, societies, cities, states and nations of the world. Attached to an independent iron framework, flights of 896 steps surround an elevator to the observation level.

Visitors to the observation level of the monument are met with sweeping views of Washington, D.C., with visibility of up to 40 miles in all directions. The Washington Monument is a must-see when visiting the capitol.

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Know Before You Go:

• Tickets are required for visitors over the age of two
• Will call tickets that have not been picked up will not be redistributed
• Same-day tickets are issued on a first come, first served basis every morning at 8:30 am
• No bathroom facilities are available on-site
• Parking is scarce; it is recommended that public transit like Metrorail, Metrobus and Tourmobile be utilized
• Paid parking garages can be found downtown, north of the monument
• Street parking is by meter and is limited to two hours
• Purse and bag sizes in excess of 18x16x8 are not permitted