Washington Monument
National Mall and Memorial Parks, Near Washington, District of Columbia
Washington Monument does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
The Washington Monument dominates the DC skyline as a tribute to George Washington's military leadership, statesmanship, and character. Constructed from marble, granite and gneiss, the Monument is the world's tallest free-standing stone structure, towering 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches (169 meters) above the nation’s capital.
Plans for a national monument to General George Washington began as early as 1783 when Congress passed a resolution to erect an equestrian statue to honor him. This project met with numerous challenges and failed to gain approval.
The Washington National Monument Society, a private organization, held fund raising events and a design competition to build a monument to honor Washington’s legacy. Robert Mills’ design was selected, and construction was started. The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848; however, The Washington National Monument Society soon faced challenges due to political turmoil and a lack of funds. By 1854 money ran out and construction halted. With the impending American Civil War in the horizon, there was no interest in completing the monument, which at the time stood at just 150-feet.
The second phase of construction began in 1876 when the US Army Corps of Engineers was assigned the task of completing the monument. Forced to switch quarries, the Washington Monument has a two-toned look with marble from Maryland and Massachusetts. Construction of the monument was completed in 1884, and it was dedicated on February 21, 1885, one day before Washington’s birthday. The Washington Monument was opened to the public in 1888 with visitors having a choice between using the elevator or stairs to reach the top.
Visitors enter the monument and then ascend via elevator to the 500-foot level to behold sweeping views of the city. To learn more about Washington the man, the engineering marvel of the monument, and the design of the city named in his honor, Park Rangers are available at each level to provide insight and fun facts into the stories of this legacy.
