Washington Monument - A fitting memorial for a great man
The Washington Monument is an awesome sight in our nation’s capitol. Our country’s first president was a very admired man by many. He was our leader when we were fighting for our independence from Great Britain, he was instrumental in forming our government, and he became the first president of the United States. He was perhaps one of the most respected men our country has ever known, and deservingly so.
After serving two terms as president, he retired to his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. It is there that he died unexpectedly two years later of a throat infection.
Ten days after his death, a Congressional committee recommended a different type of memorial to honor this great man. However, no real progress was made until nearly thirty-four years later in 1833, which marked the one hundredth anniversary of his birth. Donations were collected and a competition for the design of the Washington Monument began. It was expected that the Washington Monument would be unparalleled in the world and would be both elegant and extraordinary. It would be of such beauty that it would produce great pride in everyone who sees it. The winner of the contest was architect Robert Mills, who was well qualified. His design called for a six hundred foot tall pillar—upright and four-sided, tapering as it rises with an almost flat top. He surrounded the pillar with a circular gallery, the top of which would feature the president standing in a chariot. Inside the gallery would be statues of thirty prominent Revolutionary War heroes.
The Washington monument was constructed of marble, granite, and sandstone. The construction of the Washington Monument began in 1848 but was not completed until 1884. Robert Mills had died nearly thirty years before and there was a delay due to lack of funds and the Civil War. Its cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, the capstone was set on December 6, 1848. The completed Washington Monument was dedicated on February 21, 1885 and officially opened to the public on October 9, 1888. The reflection of the Washington Monument can be seen in the Reflecting Pool which sets westward in the direction of the Lincoln Memorial.
If you plan to visit our nation’s capitol, you will most definitely want to see the Washington Monument. Do some research online to find out more information, for a map of the area, and hotels in the area. You can also find information about the other monuments and museums to visit.