Washington D.C Monument
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument was built between 1848 and 1884 as a memorial to GeorgeWashington, first President of the United States. Its construction took place in two major phases,1848-56, and 1876-84--the Civil War and a lack of funds causing the intermittent hiatus.Plans for a national monument began as early as 1783 when Major Pierre Charles L'Enfantproposed to Congress that an equestrian statue of George Washington be erected. Although theMonument was authorized by Congress, no action was taken by the time Washington died in1799. His death rekindled public aspiration for an appropriate memorial to him, and John Marshallproposed that a special sepulcher be erected for the General within the Capitol itself. Lack offunds postponed construction, but Marshall persevered, and in 1833 he and James Madison formedthe Washington National Monument Society. By 1836 the Society advertised for competitivearchitectural designs. The winning architect was Robert Mills, whose design called for aneoclas ... [Read More]
A History of the Washington Monument
WASHINGTON MONUMENT ... Washington Monument ... Washington, D.C. ... [Read More]
National Park Guide
George Washington Carver National Monument ... George Washington Birthplace National Monument ... Booker T Washington National Monument ... [Read More]
Washington Monument (National Park Service)
Alone among the Founders of the United States George Washington earned the title "Father of his Country" in recognition of his leadership in the cause of American independence. Appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775, he molded a fighting force that won independence from Great Britain. In 1787 as President of the Constitutional Convention, he helped guide the deliberations to form a government that has lasted for more than 200 years. Two years later he was unanimously elected the first President of the United States. Washington defined the Presidency and helped develop the relationships among the three branches of government. He established precedents that successfully launched the new government on its course. Washington remained ever mindful of the ramifications of his decisions and actions, for he was a consummate statesman. With this monument the citizens of the United States show their enduring gratitude and respect. ... [Read More]
United States House of Representatives, 109th Congress, 1st Session: Tour DC
MerriweatherPost Pavilion - 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway. Located in Columbia, Maryland between Baltimore andWashington D.C. and is readily accessible from I-95. Performing arts centeroffers symphonic music, and pop concerts.Ticket Infor.: 703-218-6500 in Washington D.C.;410-481-6500 in Baltimore;800-955-5566 elsewhere ... TheWashington Monument - On the Mall at 15th Street, SW. Tickets are required. They are free and available at the booth located on the west side of 15th Street, NW, on the Mall.Advance Tickets (small fee charged): Ticketmaster: (DC Metro) 202-432-7328 (Outside DC)1-800-551-7328. Facilities: Bookstore, Restrooms, Museum. Information: 202-426-6841.Metro stop: Smithsonian ... [Read More]
Today in History: December 6
On December 6 , 1884, workers placed the 3,300 pound marble capstone on the Washington Monument , and topped it with a nine-inch pyramid of cast aluminum, completing construction of the 555-foot Egyptian obelisk. Nearly fifty years earlier, the Washington National Monument Society choose Robert Mills's design to honor first American president and founding father George Washington . The privately-funded organization laid the monument's cornerstone on Independence Day , 1848, in Washington, D.C. ... [Read More]
Washington Monument Home Page
Of all the Presidents of the United States, George Washington is the most celebrated. Efforts to commemorate his legacy began during his lifetime and continue to this day. Down through the years they have taken on many forms. His leadership and service to the republic have been distinguished through the naming of the federal capital, universities, streets, counties, and a state. In addition to these honors, he had been remembered in works of art, monumental buildings, and historic preservation, involving Americans of all walks of life. But none have captured the imagination of the people world-wide like the Washington Monument. ... [Read More]
A History of the Washington Monument (Notes)
4. For the complete ceremonies attending this eventsee Frederick L. Harvey (comp.), History of the Washington NationalMonument and Washington National Monument Society printed as SenateDocument No. 224, 57th Congr., 2d Sess. (Washington, 1903), esp. pp.109—43, "Proceedings on the occasion of laying the cornerstone ofthe Washington National Monument, July 4, 1848." ... 7. Parkhill, pp. 267—68. For an interesting andcomprehensive analysis of the recommendations of the various reports,see Review of the Report of the Board of U. S. Army Engineers on theFoundation of the Washington National Monument by the WashingtonNational Monument Society (Washington, 1877), 15 pp. with two drawings.Copy in NCP files, Mail and Records Branch, file no, on 1430/WashingtonMonument, Supplement. ... [Read More]
Washington Monument: Memorial Stones
A unique feature of the Washington Monument is the 193 memorial stones that adorn the east and west interior walls of the monument. Starting in July 1848 the Washington National Monument Society invited states, cities and patriotic societies to contribute Memorial Stones. The Society listed some requirements to be followed. They asked that the stone be durable, a product of the state's soil, and meet the following dimensions: four feet long, two feet high and 18 inches thick. These stones pay tribute to the character and achievements of George Washington. These traits are not only admired by Americans but by people the world over as exemplified by the number of stones donated by foreign countries. ... [Read More]
The Washington Monument: Tribute in Stone
I t rises tall and brilliant, its whiteness emphasized by the green grass and colorful flags that surround it. It stands at the heart of Washington, D.C., near the center of a cross formed by four of America's most famous buildings: the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and the Jefferson Memorial. But appearance and location are not the only reasons that the Washington Monument is one of the country's most recognizable structures. Its prominence comes also because it commemorates George Washington, who remains one of the country's most admired leaders more than two centuries after his death. The history of the monument reflects his contributions to the development of the United States and shows how Americans have debated the best way to honor important citizens. ... [Read More]
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