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Contributor: Elephango Editors. Lesson ID: 11850
Climb to the top of history! Discover the story behind the Washington Monument and why it stands tall as a tribute to America's first president.
A Towering Tribute
Imagine standing at the base of a giant stone tower, stretching more than 55 stories into the sky. It’s so tall that you have to lean your head all the way back to see the tip.
If you could climb to the top, you’d see the entire city of Washington, D.C., from above.
That’s right—this towering landmark is a tribute to George Washington, the first president of the United States. But unlike other monuments, which clearly show statues of the people they commemorate, the Washington Monument is a simple, soaring obelisk.
Take a closer look at the history behind this remarkable tribute.
The Monument’s Story: A Delayed Dream
When Washington, D.C., was first planned in the late 1700s, architect Pierre L’Enfant set aside a special spot for a monument honoring George Washington.
He chose a location near the Potomac River, slightly elevated so it would stand out in the city skyline.
However, even though the idea for the Washington Monument was in place, building it took much longer than expected.
In 1833, a group called the Washington National Monument Society began raising money for the project. They wanted a grand memorial that would reflect Washington’s lasting legacy.
The Original Plan: A Monument Fit for a Leader
Architect Robert Mills devised an ambitious design: a massive obelisk surrounded by 30 columns, each 100 feet high.
His plan symbolized strength, endurance, and the lasting impact of Washington’s leadership. But there was one major problem—money.
The monument’s construction started in 1848, with more than 20,000 people, including five U.S. presidents, attending the cornerstone-laying ceremony. However, funding ran out just a few years later.
By 1854, construction stopped when the monument was only about 150 feet tall. The unfinished structure stood as a half-built tower for more than 20 years!
Finishing the Monument: A New Vision
In 1878, the U.S. government stepped in to complete the project. Army engineer Lt. Col. Thomas Lincoln Casey made some big changes.
He simplified the design, removing the extra columns to reduce costs.
He adjusted the height to 555 feet, making it ten times the width of its base.
He ensured that the stone was cut and placed using new engineering methods.
Finally, in 1884—more than 30 years after it was started—the Washington Monument was completed. At the time, it was the tallest building in the world!
Even today, a law in Washington, D.C., prevents any building from being taller than the Washington Monument, allowing it to remain the most striking structure in the city skyline.
Now that you know the history, put your knowledge to the test in the Got It? section!
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