Located in Washington, DC, the Washington Monument is one of the most distinguished buildings of the world. From its unique shape and height to the secrets it holds, the Egyptian obelisk embodies the gratefulness of the people of the United States to a favorite leader. Per NPS.gov, “The Washington Monument towers above the city that bears its name, serving as an awe-inspiring reminder of George Washington’s greatness. The monument, like the man, stands in no one’s shadow.”
A giant honor
The towering Washington Monument is a fascinating attraction located in the nation’s capital. The prestigious icon has welcomed visitors from near and far since 1888. Standing as the world’s tallest obelisk, at close to 555 feet, it is an amazing piece of architecture worth visiting today. If the monument could talk, it would not only share the dramatic story of those dedicated to building the awe-inspiring monument, but it would also describe its 40 year-build, the 22-year stalling of its construction, its use as a slaughter yard and cattle pen during the Civil War, how the monument’s design was stripped down as part of a cost-cutting effort, and its survival through an earthquake!
Funding challenges
Proposals to build the monument started as early as 1783, with Congress seeking to create a statue of beloved General Washington who led the Continental Army to victory over the British in the American Revolutionary War. Washington would proudly go on to serve as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Though Washington died in 1799, he remained in high esteem for his outstanding military and political leadership. By 1829, the first (and smaller) monument dedicated to Washington was established in Baltimore, Maryland via public lottery. The government didn’t favor spending money on fancy ornamentation; therefore, financial responsibilities for projects of that nature typically fell to the people.
Construction stages
Though the D.C. monument wouldn’t be the first dedicated to Washington, it was still highly desired. Construction occurred in two main stages, a private phase (1848 to 1854) and a public phase (1876 to 1884). In the earlier stages, a private organization, The Washington National Monument Society, was formed to fund and build the monument via solicited donations. They ultimately selected neoclassical architect Robert Mills’ 1845 design featuring a 600-foot Egyptian style obelisk with thirty 100-foot columns. When the cornerstone was laid, on July 4, 1848, over 20,000 people were in attendance to include President James K. Polk, former First Lady Dolley Madison, Eliza Hamilton (widow of Alexander Hamilton), George Washington Parke Custis (step-grandson of Washington), and three future presidents (Buchanan, Lincoln, Johnson).
Complex Construction & Delays from funding to the Civil War
Per NPS.gov, construction of the monument was complex and involved, “…using a system of pulleys, block and tackle systems, and a mounted derrick to hoist and place stones, inching the structure skyward.” By 1854, the monument had reached a height of 156-feet above the ground. Unfortunately, a turn of events stalled construction. A new group aligned with the Know-Nothing Party had gained control of the monument’s society, ultimately alienating donors and thrusting the society into bankruptcy. Meanwhile, in 1855, architect Robert Mills died. For more than two decades, the monument remained untouched and was regarded as an embarrassment.
The Civil War
As attention turned to the American Civil War, congressional efforts were redirected. The ambitious, expensive, and colossal Washington Monument project was put on hold. Per Civil War Saga, “When the Civil War broke out in 1861, it caused further delays. Due to the cost of the war, political chaos and physical danger as the war raged towards Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas, it appeared the monument would never be completed.” The monument stood at one third of its proposed height. For some time, the land around the monument served to graze cattle. It was also used as a drill field and slaughterhouse during the Civil War. Regiments, including the 62nd New York Infantry Regiment, drilled there near their headquarters in 1861. The unfinished monument attracted negative opinions, with Mark Twain famously stating that the monument, “looked like a hollow, oversized chimney.” Even after the war’s end, the cost of reconstructing the south overshadowed completion of the monument.
Hope arises
In July of 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill to restart construction. Congress took on the duty of funding and building the monument. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, under the direction of Lt. Col. Thomas Lincoln Casey, directed and completed the project. The monument’s insufficient foundation would first be strengthened to prepare for the massively tall structure. Problems, such as having to switch stone quarries several times over the long course of construction, led to mismatched stones featuring visibly different colors. Design choices were also scaled down due to cost and construction time overruns. By December 1884, completion drew near when a 3,300-pound capstone was hoisted up dizzying heights during a gale storm and put into place, followed by the aluminum tip. On the east face, towards where the sun rises, these words were inscribed, “Laus Deo,” meaning “Praise be to God.”
No easy feat
Creation of the monument is a remarkable feat, boasting over 36,000 stones, with commemorative ones dedicated by important individuals. Pope Pius IX donated a memorial stone in 1854, inscribed, “Rome to America.” However, the anti-Catholic Know-Nothing party broke into the obelisk, stole the marker, and disposed of it in the Potomac River. For those lucky enough to observe the structure, the design of the monument is remarkable. The outside façade consists of three types of white marble. Per The National Constitution Center, they are held together by just gravity and friction, and no mortar was used in the process. Britannica shares that the shaft’s load bearing masonry walls are a walloping 15-feet thick at the base and taper to just 18-inches at the top. The structure weighs an estimated 91,000 tons and features a 100-pound chunk of aluminum (then a rare metal) at the monument’s apex to serve as a lightning rod peak.
The long build
The monument took 40 years to complete, with construction starting in 1848 and finally opening to the public in 1888 upon installation of a steam elevator. One blustery day before Washington’s birthday, on February 21, 1885, the Washington Monument was officially dedicated by then President Chester Arthur. For a short time, from 1884 to 1889, the Washington Monument claimed fame as tallest man-made structure. This status was short lived as just five years following its completion it was surpassed in height by France’s Eiffel Tower. The Washington Monument was unfortunately damaged during the 2011 Virginia earthquake and remained closed until 2014. It was also closed again for reasons to include an upgraded elevator system, security renovations, and mitigation of soil contamination before reopening in 2019.
An amazing tale to tell
Dynamic history aside, the Washington Monument is an amazing marvel of architecture and a proud monument to a man who served as Founding Father of the United States, victorious commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, honorable President of the United States, and pursuer of self-governance, liberty, and freedom. Simple words spoken by Maj. Gen. Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee at Washington’s funeral say it best, “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
Visitor information:
The Washington Monument is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and proudly stands on the east side of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. Tickets are required to enter the Washington Monument, and they can be reserved online (reservation fee of $1 per ticket applies). One may also get free, same-day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street nearby; however, supplies are limited. Visit www.nps.gov (District of Columbia, Washington Monument) to learn more. Folks seeking to go up the Washington Monument should be comfortable with heights, enclosed spaces, crowding, and elevators. Also expect a security screening. The nonstop elevator provides quick ascent to the top floor observation deck 500-feet above the ground, a ride which takes approximately 70 seconds to the top.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as an historical reference.
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