OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

The Washington Monument

What Is the Washington Monument?

The Washington Monument is a tall, white stone tower located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It was built to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States and the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Standing at 555 feet and 5 inches tall, it is the tallest stone structure in the world. The monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States and attracts millions of visitors every year.

The Washington Monument

Why Was It Built?

Americans wanted to create a lasting tribute to George Washington because of his contributions to the nation. Washington led the colonial army to victory against Great Britain and helped establish the new government. As early as 1783, the Continental Congress approved the idea of building a monument in his honor. It took many decades of planning and fundraising before construction could finally begin.

How Was It Built?

The Washington Monument reflected in the Reflecting Pool with a blue sky

Construction of the Washington Monument began on July 4, 1848, using marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss. The project was led by architect Robert Mills, who originally designed a much more elaborate structure with columns and a statue. Due to lack of funds, the design was simplified to the tall obelisk shape we see today. Workers used steam-powered cranes and an internal scaffolding system to stack the massive stone blocks higher and higher.

The Long Delay

Building the monument took an unusually long time because of several major interruptions. Construction stopped in 1854 when the Know-Nothing Party took over the Washington National Monument Society and funding dried up. The Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, caused further delays as the nation focused on the conflict. Work did not resume until 1879, and you can actually see a slight color change about one-third of the way up where the newer marble does not perfectly match the older stone.

Inside the Monument

The inside of the Washington Monument contains 897 steps and an elevator that takes visitors to the observation level near the top. Along the interior walls, there are 193 memorial stones donated by states, cities, foreign countries, and organizations. The observation windows at the top offer wide views of the National Mall, the Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. The aluminum tip at the very top of the monument was considered a rare and precious metal when it was placed there in 1884.

The Monument’s Dedication and Opening

The Washington Monument was officially dedicated on February 21, 1885, which was the day before George Washington’s birthday. However, it did not open to the public until October 9, 1888, because the interior still needed to be completed. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest structure in the world, surpassing the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The monument held that record until the Eiffel Tower was completed in Paris in 1889.

Repairs and Restoration

The Washington Monument has needed repairs several times throughout its history. A 5.8-magnitude earthquake in August 2011 caused cracks in the stones near the top of the structure. The monument was closed for nearly three years while workers made careful repairs using ropes and scaffolding on the outside. It reopened to the public in 2014 after the restoration was complete, and additional elevator repairs kept it closed again from 2016 to 2019.

Visiting the Monument Today

The Washington Monument is free to visit, but you need a timed entry ticket to go inside and ride the elevator to the top. On a clear day, you can see for about 30 miles from the observation level. The monument is surrounded by 50 American flags, one for each state, which fly in a circle around the base. It remains one of the most popular destinations in Washington, D.C., and a powerful symbol of American history and democracy.