Update- October 05, 2011
The Washington Monument remains closed to visitors until further notice. Recently, TV news showed engineers rappelling down the monument, checking the stones in detail with small hammers. No further information has been released about structural damage. Because of the large number of visitors this monument receives the authorities are being as careful as possible before deciding to reopen the monument.
August 25,2011
Engineers found at least 4 "significant" cracks in the Washington Monument. The Monument remains closed and no word has been given about how long it will be closed or when the repairs might take place.
The Washington Monument is closed indefinitely as a result of the August 23, 2011 earthquake that affected this area. New organizations report that structural engineers found a crack in the monument and have closed it in the interests of public safety.
an outside engineering firm will further study the crack and implement solutions.
at this point nobody knows how long the monument will be closed
Updated Oct 5, 2011
Address: Constitution Avenue & 15th Street
Phone: (202) 426 - 6841
Website: http://www.nps.gov/wamo
Located at the western end of the National mall stands the Washington Monument ..very impressive and standing over 555 ft high this beautiful monument was a dedication to George Washington for his unfailing leadership during the American Revolution..This huge white marble obelisk is both the worlds highest Obelisk and also the tallest stone structure..it was decided that a monument be built in the district and construction began after a cornerstone was laid in 1848 The monument was constructed in two periods of years being 1848 to 1856 and then 1876 to 1884 These delays in construction were mainly due to lack of funds and of course the American Civil War..They say the the difference in the colour of the marble at the 150 ft mark was due to the civil war. The United States Army Corps of Engineers finally completed the constructionand the monument was dedicated on the February 21st 1885 and was not officially opened to the public until October of 1888..
There was a major restoration programme to repair the ailing Monument in 1996 and the restoration was not completed till the year 2000.. This is a most attractive monument and my favourite in DC,,
tickets are available for entry into the monument on a first come basis and can be obtained at the Washington Monument Building on 15th St. at 8.30 am the tickets are free..the number to call is 1-877-559-6777..
Written Sep 21, 2011
Address: Constitution Avenue & 15th Street
Phone: (202) 426 - 6841
Website: http://www.nps.gov/wamo
This monument is one of the most prominent in Washington DC. Built in honour of George Washington, first President, it was finished in December 1884.
The Monument is shaped like an obelisk and stands 555’ 5 1/8” tall. There is a viewing area at the top which offers views over thirty miles.
The monument is open from 09:00 to 16:45 and is admission free, although tickets must be obtained in advanced (details on website below).
Written May 8, 2011
Address: Constitution Avenue & 15th St, Washington DC
Phone: 202 426 6841
Website: http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc72.htm
This is the best place to actually see the city. If your time is as limited as mine was, do this.
If you go, notice the change in color partway up the structure. During the Civil War, construction was halted. Afterward, it resumed. But the quarry no longer had rock of the same exact shade; a lighter one had to be used.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: 15th St SW, Washington, DC
Phone: 202-426-6841
aka "The Big Pencil." The windows are small, but the view from the top is unrivaled, as this is as tall as it gets in DC. Visit the website below for details on tix (they are required but are free for same-day visits; if you reserve ahead of time there is a service charge) and hours.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: West end of the The Mall
We walked to Washington monument, first we took some pictures from distance and then we went to the Monument Lodge where we got the free tickets for 10.00am. There was supposed to be a huge line but we were up at 10:30. Before that we had the chance to take some more pictures of the surrounded area and take a close look at the stones of the monument. Pic 3 shows clearly different colors because the construction took 36 years to be completed so different stones were used.
The monument was completed at the end of 1884 in honor of George Washington(1732-1799, the first president of United States) and it is actually a large obelisk (555 feet high) made of sandstone, granite and marble surrounded by American flags (pics 1-2)
When we finally got inside, we passed through screening, had to wait for 10’ and went up with the elevator. The view was great of course, on a clear day you can see far in the distance (in excess of 45 km) but we were interested to see The Mall and the memorials anyway. Pic 4 shows one of the many great view you have from up there. We started to check every window and checking the panel where they have information of what we were looking at.
The monument is open daily 9.00-22.00(till 17.00 september-may), no admission but tickets required, there’s no storage facility and you cant bring inside large backpacks, strollers, food or drink.
Pic 5 shows the Washington monument during the night as seen from Lincoln memorial, isn’t the reflection on the lake amazing?
Updated Nov 9, 2010
Address: Constitution Avenue & 15th Street
Phone: (202) 426 - 6841
Website: http://www.nps.gov/wamo
The Washington Monument is a large Obelisk that dominates the DC area; it is the largest structure after all. Completed in 1885 the structure is made of marble, sandstone and granite. Notice the two toned color as a result of stopped construction and different shades of marble; the color difference is definitely noticable even from a long distance.
The Monument of course is in honor of the First President; George Washington and was dedicated on his birthday (February 22) in 1885. The monument is surrounded by a series of American flags.
My wife says that many politicians must have "Monument Envy"; a nod to the structures phallic appearance. Even Marge Simpson remarked on it in the Simpsons.
Updated Jun 18, 2010
Address: Constitution Avenue & 15th Street
Phone: (202) 426 - 6841
Website: http://www.nps.gov/wamo
Who can miss this piece of history when they come visit DC. Just about everywhere you walk in the North West and South West sections of the city give you a view of this monument. The monument stands at an impressive 555 feet, 5 1/8 inches, there are 50 floors from the lobby to the observation level. At it's widest the monument is 55 feet 1 1/2 inches and 34 feet 5 1/2 inches at the top. The wall are 15 feet thick at the base and 18 inches thick at the observation level. The monument weighs a whopping 90,854 tons and is made from 36,491blocks of white marble and granite. The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848 and the capstone set on December 6, 1884. The monument was dedicated on February 21, 1885, but didn't open to the public until October 9, 1888. The Washington monument was designed by Robert Mills and cost a total of $1,187,710 to be built. As it is obvious who this monument is dedicated to, I didn't think I needed to put it in here.
This past spring I was in Alexandria to finish up my Masters residency. On our last night some classmates and I were able to take an evening tour of some of the places to see. I have to say, DC is much prettier at night than I thought it could be.
Updated Jun 16, 2010
Address: Constitution Avenue & 15th Street
Phone: (202) 426 - 6841
Website: http://www.nps.gov/wamo
The Washington Monument probably would have rated as my favorite had our view from the top not been fogged in (be aware of sky conditions before you ride the elevator up). Before I met my wife she took a trip with her family to D.C. and was able to go up to the top at dusk, just as the city was aglow with lights!
Written Jun 14, 2010
Address: Constitution Avenue & 15th Street
Phone: (202) 426 - 6841
Website: http://www.nps.gov/wamo
While the Lincoln Memorial may be the heart and soul of DC, the Washington Monument is perhaps its most readily identified icon. Certainly it is the most recognizable structure from afar and only the White House and Capitol Building can rival it closer up. Its odd architectural style is matched by its equally odd history. Originally a National Monument and conceived as an equestrian George Washington statue in 1773, it never took flight due to lack of funds and political turmoil. When Washington died there was a renewed impetus and ideas about its form, but again it failed to make its way to a tangible reality. It was not until 1888 that the Egyptian-influenced obelisk with pyramid atop that now stands was open to the public.
It is certainly a formidable structure at 555 feet high and weighing in at an astounding 81,000 tons. The walls at its shaft are 18 feet thick! It is obviously an impressive sight from anywhere in the city but especially so when up close. Nothing beats going to the top and the views are superlative and demonstrate the intricate symmetry that is Washington, DC. Generally speaking, doing so involves getting a free reservation which you can do online. This is especially true if visiting during the peak summer months when all the kiddies are out of school. Weekends are obviously another busy time. We were there in October during the week and casually strolled up in the morning and were told we could go on the next tour which we gladly did. It was fantastic and glad we did not heed warnings about not being able to do it last minute.
Normal operating hours for the Washington Monument are 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; free, timed-entry tickets are required and can be reserved for a transaction fee by calling 1-877-444-6777 for individuals or 1-877-559-6777 for large groups or by going online at Recreation.gov. Free tickets for same-day visits also can be obtained on a first-come first-served basis from Washington Monument Lodge along 15th St., beginning at 8:30 a.m. One person can obtain up to six tickets.
Written Apr 25, 2010
Address: Constitution Avenue & 15th Street
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Constitution Avenue & 15th Street
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While the Lincoln Memorial may be the heart and soul of DC, the Washington Monument is perhaps its most readily identified icon. Certainly it is the most...
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