Washington Monument

Photo: Greyfiveys, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)

A stop on Washington DC National Mall Walking Tour, a free self-guided tour.

Look about 150 feet up the obelisk and you will see the color of the stone change. Construction began in 1848 with marble from a Maryland quarry, then stopped for more than 20 years, first for lack of money and then during the Civil War. When work resumed, the builders had to use stone from other quarries, and the match was never perfect.

The monument was designed by architect Robert Mills to honor George Washington. Its aluminum capstone was set in place in 1884, it was dedicated in 1885, and it opened to the public in 1888. At just over 555 feet it was the tallest structure in the world until the Eiffel Tower passed it in 1889, and it is still the tallest obelisk anywhere.

An elevator carries visitors to an observation level at 500 feet, with views down the Mall to the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. A 2011 earthquake cracked the stone and closed the monument until 2014. Tickets are free but timed; reserve them online or ask at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street.

Washington Monument

Stops on this tour