Washington Monument

The Washington Monument in Washington, DC.

Quick Facts

Location:

Washington, DC

Significance:

Monument to first president of United States

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

The Washington Monument honors and memorializes George Washington, the first president of the United States. The memorial is 555 feet, 5.125 inches tall, and was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1884.

Designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the monument is at the center Great Cross Axis of the National Mall, extending west from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and Potomac River and south from the White House to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one privately funded (1848-1854) and one publicly funded (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father.

Advance tickets are required to visit the interior of the Washington Monument; get tickets online.

A project through the Save America's Treasures Grant Program, which helps preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections, funded work to restore the Washington Monument in 1999. Restoration work included repointing exterior joints, sealing cracks, repairing exterior stones, re-glazing the observation windows, repairing lighting fixtures, and preserving the interior commemorative stones.