I love Washington. I lived there after college and it was so much fun. Plenty of politics of course but normal people too, working hard and playing hard, surrounded by monuments to our Nation. Really, what could be better? So this monument was one of my favs. I used to run the mall often and this was of course the point I ran to and from. Whenever I am back in DC I come to the mall, for this and other monuments. But also for the people. Its an amazing place to be, the people are all sorts - locals, vets, fallen vet families, history buffs, school busses, foreign tourists, American tourists, everyone is represented on the Mall at most any given time. Its a true melting point in America. And its happening in front of this monument. 2800 read more

For same day tickets, I arrived at 7:05 am to wait and there were already 6 people ahead of me. By 7:45 am there we're about 25-30 people waiting in line. I think the easiest thing to do is get the tickets online 30 days prior to your visit. The place is quite small. The view is ok through a small window at the top of the monument. I don't think it was worth my waiting for close to 2 hrs in the morning to get the tickets. It was a hot day for us on the visit so I may have felt differently if the weather was cooler. read more

Probably the most iconic monument in all of DC, especially since it is visible from most spots in the city. It is unbelievably large and impressive and is definitely worth the small hike to see it up close. If you want to make a trip to the top of the monument, you can do it, but they release the same-day tickets at 10 AM, so if you're not there right when it opens, chances are, you won't get in. There is a website where you can try to reserve tickets, but it rarely seems to work properly, so you end up having to be there in-person anyway. Check this one out. read more

Washington Monument - Monument with the cherry blossom - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I was a little disheartened when I found out that the monument has temporarily closed indefinitely, following its damage from the earthquake that happened on August 23, 2011. The gift shop is still open though, but no visitors are allowed inside the monument. Bummer. It is still a delightful place to take brilliant photographs especially at night. Ever wondered why they designed it as an obelisk? It was dedicated to the sun god "Ra". A significant number of our founding fathers were members of Freemasonry, and I have read several books on the subject including the Kybalion. One of the main reasons, why I am fascinated with visiting ancient structures. They used sacred geometry to create those magnificent obelisks. I was tempted to knock down one star because I could not go in, but I decided against it. The Washington Monument is among the world's most prominent structure, so it deserves 5 stars. read more

Washington Monument - Me at the Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Lots of walking, parking is expensive, and expensive food trucks parked around. I've been here plenty of times. This time I went for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. It was a fun experience but the humidity made it unbearable to stick around. read more

Washington Monument - Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was one of my stops when I went sightseeing in the D.C. metro area. Located not far from the white house, Lincoln memorial, reflecting pool, Vietnam Veteran memorial this is one of the best photo ops around. This monument is dedicated to the first president of the United states of America George Washington. It's befitting of a man that was the first elected leader of our nation. This splendid monument is hundreds of feet tall. It is absolutely huge! To be honest I really didn't think it would have been that big. But I guess I was wrong. They do charge you to go up in there, given the fact I had a lot of sight seeing to do I ended up skipping it. But the next time I'm in DC I will definitely make time in order to do it. Even though I didn't go in it I took plenty of photos that way I could brag to my friends and family about where I had been that day. So yeah check this place out when your in the District of Columbia. read more

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One cannot miss looking at this monument because it stands out. One should definitely visit to see the monument during daytime and as well as during the night. It was built to commemorate the first U.S. president, General George Washington.The park/land around this monument is lush green which adds more beauty this monument. It lies between a round circle of US flags. This monument is made of marble, granite, and bluestone and is both the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk. A good spot to take pictures too! read more

Upon completion in 1888, this obelisk was the tallest structure on earth. Now, it is merely one of the most meaningful. Although unintentional, a change in marble color is easily noted about halfway up, due to the marble coming from a different source. Construction was halted from 1854 to 1877 due to the Civil War. The fact that it was completed by 1888 with the differently sourced marble is a testament to the resilience of the American spirit. The Monument is surrounded by American flags, and a motley crew of tourists like me. During my first visit here, decades ago, I took the ten million steps up to the quartz windows to view the Mall and the surrounding area. It was unforgettable. This time around, although an elevator was available, I stayed ground bound, and simply enjoyed the sight of this iconic structure. It is always an unexpected pleasure to catch a glimpse of the Monument through the trees when Ubering around the District. It is certainly the most prominent and conspicuous architecture in The District. read more

A definite tourist marker in the DC area, and fairly easy to get a picture of when in the surrounding vicinity. read more

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Wow. You don't understand how truly magnificent something is until you see it with your own eyes. Even though it is closed and you cannot enter it is still beautiful to visit the grounds and stand in the wake of this beautiful national monument. read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Props to our nation's very first president of the United States not just for being one of the founders, but for also being responsible for patrons in strip clubs all across America for being able to "make it rain". Im sure good ol George did not intend for that to happen but im sure he would of enjoyed it just the same if he were alive today. As for his monument, it is one of the most recognizable buildings in Washington DC. Unfortunately, tickets to go up inside are limited and ones you can get online are usually sold out months in advance. So we did what most people do that cant go up in it do. Take pictures with the monument in the background and move on. Just the fact that I was there physically to witness it was already an awesome feeling. Maybe next time we will plan on getting tickets so we can actually see how it is on the inside. Yelp 2014 365 Review Challenge #186 "Make it rain George!" read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

(This review is for the tower tour only) Located in the center of the National Mall, this tall stone obelisk was built to commemorate George Washington, who led the thirteen original colonies to victory in the American Revolution as the commander and shaped American presidency as the first President of the United States. The monument's tallness relative to surrounding structures parallels to Washington's greatness. Although Washington Monument is no longer the world's tallest structure, the law ensures that it remains the tallest in District of Columbia. This means you can theoretically get the best view of the National Mall and the rest of DC on top of Washington Monument. However, to get on top requires a reservation that may be more than a month in advance to secure your time slot. If you did not make a reservation, you can get daily tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge, but be warned: the tickets are always in high demand and the numbers are limited. Especially if you have time constraints on when to go on top and a large party to go with you, wait in line at least 1-2 hours before 8:30 AM to secure the tickets. Whether you got your tickets through reservation or through waiting in line, expect to wait another half hour during your time slot to go up the Monument. Because only a limited number of people can ride the elevators, you have to come at least 30 minutes before your tour time to be first to go in your time slot group or wait at least 30 minutes after your designated time for your turn. Once you reach up there, you will be in a small "observatory" with two narrow windows facing each cardinal direction. Most fellow tourists will take turns to see the beautiful DC views from the narrow windows, but it will take only a few inconsiderate people to block you since each window can be viewed only by two people at once. To exit, you have to take the elevator at the floor below the observatory floor. The exit floor has a small introductory exhibit with some artifacts of the structure history, and the descending elevator slows down at certain elevation to show you the marker stones donated by various states during the Monument's construction. --- The bottom line is that it is not worth the hassle to go up to the Washington Monument. I thought the only thing interesting on my trip up there was the marker stone part when the elevator slowed down and the doors turned opaque to transparent. Unless you have time to burn and got nothing to do, don't bother with the elevator tour especially if you don't have a reservation. Admire the engineering and aesthetic grandeur of the Washington Monument from the outside like what the architects have intended. read more

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A memorable way to visit the Washington Monument is around 4am with a good friend of yours after you've had some drinks that make you feel warm and happy. The evening has been a blur of shot luges and a giant, floor-to-ceiling cage with an exotic bird and hundreds of deaf people (which means flying hands and drinks everywhere), and the two of you decided to go for a walk, somehow ending up here. You stare up at the monument, which in the night, is illuminated by spotlights. It is large. It is white. And it makes you giggle. No one is around. No security guards. No other buzzed college students. It's just the two of you and one of the most iconic symbols in the country. Something electric passes between the two of you as you realize there is a mutual attraction. Seconds later, he pushes you against the white marble granite of the monument and kisses you with unexpected passion. When you stop to breathe and giggle, you look up and see a beautiful brown moth perched on the wall. You won't forget this. read more

What can I say? It's iconic. My trip here felt like a patriotic pilgrimage to see everything I'd seen in books since I was a child. Then I drive in and there it is, in all its glory. It almost doesn't look real in my photos. Washington really dug obelisks and I don't blame him. It is phallic and shows his incredible potency impregnating our nation with style and sustenance. It's the central point to the mall and the city. It seemed like we were always around it heading to our next destination. read more

If you are looking for a view of the city, a ride to the top of the monument is the way to go. Things to know before you go; + yes it is free, but you need a ticket to ride to the top. They offer tickets online to help you secure you preferred date and time. Word to the wise; these tickets can go weeks, if not months ahead during peak season. They do hold additional tickets back that they give out each day starting after 8:30, but hundreds are known to line up starting around 7:30 am. + you do have to go through security before entry, so be prepared to remove all jackets, electronics, etc and place it into a bin + restrooms are located by the ticketing/info building in front + the elevator ride is a quick 70 seconds to the top. +On the ride down, make sure to stand close to the doors for better view of the stones inside of the monument read more

*DC State of Mind* The home of Olivia Pope! I mean...the POTUS! Yelp 365 Challenge #197/365 If you are not hooked on ABC's series of "Scandal", then you will not know who Olivia Pope is and I have to say whaaaat? This character is based off of founder, president, and CEO of the crisis management firm, Smith & Company, Judy Smith (who also wrote the book, "Good Self, Bad Self"). So quick synopsis of Scandal if you've NEVER watched that show is that it is based in Washington, DC (thus my reason for tying in Olivia Pope with my review!). Olivia Pope is the crisis management expert who has her own secrets with the White House and POTUS :) Throughout the show, they have these quick snapshots of the national monuments around the DC area (another reason why I mention Scandal and Olivia Pope!). Sooo...can you now understand the excitement I was feeling when I planned with my co-worker to tour around DC?! Especially when Washington, DC is about a 30 minute train ride from Baltimore! I was about to see all those monuments and just experience America's history at it's finest! The last time I toured around DC, I was a toddler when my dad was stationed in Quantico, Virginia to where I have no memory of DC except pictures of me hugging my sister while we were dressed alike in winter coats and hats. But, let me share the day that we planned to tour DC, it was rainy and cloudy as we stepped out of the Union Station but it didn't minimize the feeling that I would see the monuments that I wanted to see, which of course, one of the monuments was the Washington Monument. We walked towards the U.S. Capitol and then turned right to walk towards the National Mall (Note: It's about one to two miles walking distance to the Washington Monument from Union Station). I tell you, as we walked down the National Mall and seeing the Washington Monument was so impressive because of it's height with the flags surrounding it. I haven't seen it during the evening and looking forward to next week when I do! I have to also share that we didn't just visit DC that day...we've been visiting DC the past few weekends if you've noticed the amount of times I've been checking in at the Amtrak station in Baltimore and DC because you can't tour DC in one day. Anyhow, the second time that we visited DC, it was a beautiful and sunny day that just to stand there and gaze at it with blue skies overhead ALMOST made me wish that I could relocate here but that feeling was short-lived because not sure if I can live clear across the United States from my grandson. Overall, this is the beginning of my many reviews that I have of visiting DC that I'll just say...all of them will be recommending HIGHLY to visit DC and to take in all the monuments and the museums that you want to see. Actually, make a LIST of go-to places because that's what I did before heading out that day. read more

Great to visit and see, but the elevator is closed "indefinitely" for modernization repairs The Washington Monument is a granite obelisk rising high into the sky, in memory of George Washington, the founding father of America. It is massive, measuring probably 30 feet on each side in a square foundation. The top is shaded differently from the bottom half, suggesting that some work was done to refinish thr monument in the past. It's interesting to see it in person and look up at the towering spire. One of the things I really wanted to do was to ride up in the elevator inside the center and look out over Washington from the top. Unfortunately, to my surprise, there was a sign at the doors in front, stating that the elevator is closed "indefinitely" as the monument undergoes modernization repairs. This was a real letdown to find out once I was on site. You can see the monument from various sites around Washington, and one of the coolest things is that, because of its particular shade of color, as thr sun sets, thr monument changes color, and can seem to glow against the backdrop of the rest of the city. Overall, great place to visit, but the "indefinite" close time for the elevator inside of it is a disappointment that yields only 4 out of 5 stars. read more

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Yes, it's temporarily closed but you can still see it from afar. Once it reopens, you can go inside again. This is a gorgeous and stunning monument. Please don't miss the chance to see this incredible landmark of our history. read more

Washington Monument - Kenny at the Washington monument on a cloudy day. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

After over two decades of trying to enter the monument with little success (earthquakes, renovations, etc.), I have finally joined the numerous national and international visitors to see Washington D.C.'s highest point. Since tickets are required for this monument, be sure to plan ahead and order tickets online or join the early risers at around 8/830am at the ticket booth to gain entry. Even with tickets to the monument you may experience an additional wait time of 10-20 minutes as the only way up to the top by elevator. There are security measures in place for this monument so you may want to check online before bringing your favorite pocket knife or other banned items from home. Once you entry this monument you'll see a few historical quotes on the bottom floor and plenty more once you enter floor 490. Although I love historical quotes, my two favorite parts of the monument were the view on the 500' and the historical bricks you view on your way down. Each side of the obelisk provides you with a view of other D.C.historical monuments or the White House. Not only will you have time to enjoy this view, but you'll have an opportunity to take pictures as the ticket process allows the park rangers to monitor crowd flow. The top of the obelisk is also architecturally pleasing. After enjoying the quotes and the view you'll really enjoy the ride down as well. The monument has tons of historical bricks that were donated in the 1800s by various cities, States and various well known officials from around the world. During the elevator ride down they will turn off the lights and allow you to get a glimpse of this hidden treasure. This monument took my friend and I an hour to finish so whether your a visiting tourist or a D.C. local it's a nice activity to fit into your day. read more

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Simply a stunning view from the Lincoln Memorial to the Jefferson Memorial and all around the Tidal Basic, it's hard to miss this large monument that towards overhead and basically a recognizable point in the National Mall to let you identify and know where you're at right away. It really is a beautiful sight however, when you walk up close to it. There are American flags surrounding all around it and there's even a tour that you can take as well. Plenty of tourists around this area at all hours of the day. A large grassy area also surrounds the monuments where I saw tourists just walk all over instead of walking around the dedicated ramp area around it to head back down to the sidewalk area. The best part is seeing the reflection of this monument in the Reflecting Pool and that it helps provide shade shade relief for you from the sun at the exact right angle when you're walking down Constitution Street from the Smithsonian Museums during the peak sun hours! read more

Washington Monument - Sunrise by the reflecting pool from Lincoln Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Had a free afternoon on a work trip, and I really wanted to see the monuments. The Washington Monument is currently under construction, but you can still look and reflect at its beauty. Plus, free public restrooms. read more

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This majestic monument is a testament to the Washington DC skyline as well as an American treasure. It stands at 555 feet tall as well as the Monument being surrounded by 50 flags. Crazy as it sounds, In 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Washington, D.C. and forced the Washington Monument to temporarily close due to significant damage. The monument was finished in 2014 and re-opened for all of us to enjoy. Make reservations early to see this national treasure. Oh yeah, its free! read more

Came here on a beautiful day, unfortunate they had it fenced off so you couldn't get close to the monument. Still a beautiful thing to see if you're in DC. I parked a few blocks away in a garage and walked around DC. There's plenty to see out here so be prepared to walk. read more

Washington Monument - Washington monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Impressive! I passed by the monument everyday by car and thought it was nice to look at, but once we got closer and actually saw it up-close, it was spectacular! Personally, I think it looks better during the day than at night. I did some longer exposure shots with my camera and the blinking red lights at the top made the memorial look like it had (evil) eyes. The view of the monument from the path between FDR and Jefferson is the best! read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

One of my FAVORITE to see. I've got to see this both at night and the day. Absolutely beautiful.

We only were able to walk up the hill and see the monument as we got there around 2 pm. If you want to go up and see the city, you have to get there early. Tickets are free, but they get snapped up quickly. Still the view is breathtaking and standing at the base of the obelisk is worth the trip alone. There is also a bathroom and bookstore at the base of the hill leading up to the monument. You can see the White House just peeking through the trees at the top of the hill. The view facing the reflecting pool is also an incredible sight. Overall, you shouldn't miss seeing the Washington monument but get there early if you want to go up in it. I can't speak of how long the wait to get tickets or go up is, but I'd allow extra time just in case. read more

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Can't go to DC without making a visit to the Washington Monument. The best view of it is from the Lincoln Memorial end of the water where you can see the whole thing, but it's awesome to see up close to really see how big it is! We didn't go inside but we're content from the view outside. read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's the most famous monument in the city, probably even more so than the Lincoln. Currently closed for repairs following the earthquake a few years ago and covered in scaffolding. Did you know that they're planning on renaming it to the Clinton National Monument? ;-) read more

Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The center piece of Washington DC. Pretty much from all over the city you can see this marvel of its time. I have yet to see this at night time, looks amazing in photos but photos never give the true justice. read more

Washington Monument - Washington Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I probably have some of the best friends in the world. I had mentioned that I would love to go to the top of the Washington Monument since it reopened. We had brunch plans on Sunday and my friend woke up at a ridiculously early hour (and got there by 6:30) to get tickets that were good for our schedule that day. Order early if you can so that you don't have to wake up early to get to the top. There were some really great views from the top. I have a couple of pictures and it's just really amazing. I wish I could stay up there for a while. On the elevator down, they show some really cool stones that were donated inside the monument. Awesome! My friend was claustrophobic and afraid of the height and falling. There were no trash cans up in the two floors up top when she didn't feel good. It definitely was not great that it slowed down on the descent. I will say that if you are afraid of falling things, and heights, and are claustrophobic, this probably isn't the best place for you to go and visit. read more

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DC insider tip: If you want to go to the top of the Monument, you can pick up a ticket day-of at 8:30 am - check the website. You should get there before 8:30, though, as a line forms during summer. Or, you can reserve online at the below link, but you need to plan well in advance. http://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=77811 read more

Washington Monument - Washington Monument, viewed from the northwest in the afternoon. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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It's huge. Being a constant fixture in the DC skyline and a cultural icon, the Washington Monument can be easily forgotten as tribute to the Father of our country. George Washington was great, and a gigantic 555.5 foot high obelisk proves it. Early visitors can reserve a trip (800-967-2283) up the elevator for a grand view of the city. Btw, I don't know why people try to act like they've done the stairs in the monument, because the stairs have been closed since the '70s. Tips: Picturesque during cherry blossom season. read more

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Lined up at 7:30AM on a Saturday to try and get same day tickets to the top of the monument. When I got there, the line had already wrapped around the visitors guide but wasn't too long. By 7:40 though, the line had already increased by at least 15 people! They started handing out tickets at 8:30AM and when we got to the ticket office we had all of the options available. I didn't know this but they have tours up until 9PM--if I ever go again I would definitely want to go at night! You can get 6 tickets at a time per person; my group of 3 got tickets for the 9AM tour. When you enter the monument it is actually a lot nicer than I thought. You go on an elevator which takes you up to the top where you can spend time looking through the multiple windows. The view is spectacular; I would recommend any visitor or person who hasn't been up the Washington monument to go. Afterward, you head down a flight of stairs where there is a small (and I mean small!) museum that details the history of the monument. Then you take an elevator to the bottom; during the ride down you get to see the stones donated by different states and countries inside the monument which is really cool. The view is amazing and I would definitely recommend going up the monument! read more

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The tallest freestanding Mason and obelisk in America. A beautiful reminder of what we could do back in the day without all the heavy machinery. This becomes your sight point when walking around DC. Find the monument and you know where you are going. truly a WOW when you get up close and look at it on the small hill. I did not get to take the tour but will make it a point to next time. read more

Thanks to height and zoning laws that prevent structures from being taller than the width of the street they are situated, the 555-feet high Washington Monument aka America's Phallus can be seen in all its grandeur from most vantage points throughout many parts of DC and VA. Very useful as a reference point for making your way around. Despite its somewhat diminutive height for a "skyscraper", the view from the top is not bad at all, another thanks to the aforementioned height restrictions. Book your ticket in advance, or be prepared to wait in line early in the AM to score your tickets to the top. read more

Washington Monument - The cornerstone of America - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I knew the Washington Monument was temporary closed but I didn't care. I could at least take a picture and say I was there. We decided to come during sunrise...except we didn't know which way the sun rose lol. It was a cold Thursday morning but we saw others jogging in tanks and shorts!! What?? It is definitely beautiful and glad I got pictures to say, hey I was here! It was a lot bigger than I would have imagine. I have to come back when it opens up again. I really do love DC. 162/2017 read more

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There was no fee coming here. The intended audience seems to be for tourists, and I went there on March 30, 2019. The site is made up of a monument often referred to 'the pencil', but it is named, 'the Washington monument'. The main reason for why this was Built was to honor George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States. When I went there, the elevator was being changed (fixed), so I was unable to go inside. The site's mission was to allow tourists to learn and acknowledge George Washington, president of the united states. It did succeed in its mission because it is part of the national mall, so the Washington monument is right across the Lincoln Memorial. I know that there are tours that are offered, but I prefer to walk around and explore. But based on their website, there is one, "Tours of the U.S. Capitol also need to be arranged in advance. Free reservations can be made via the visitthecapitol.gov website. " The reason why I gave this rating was that I find it amazing how people from all over the world come here, to learn about America's history. And I like that it's not a boring building, but like a monument that has meaning and nature plays a nice role in the view. I'm sure, next time, I'll try to get to that elevator! read more

Washington Monument - Ignore my head plz. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

BACKGROUND If done conscientiously, the online review process can teach one a lot about a location and oneself. Firstly, there's a location/business. Then, there are many subsequent factors, including thought, planning, construction, and huge amounts of money, to name a few. After that, comes our individual experience. I know in my evolving review process, there are also many factors. I have to go to a location, usually it takes me a couple visits to form an opinion I feel reflective enough to write down. I love to take pictures. Although not always successful, I'm always looking for a way to show the location in the best light. That's what's fun for me. After that, I digest the information, followed by research, and finally the review. For that amount of effort, I'm usually going to focus on the positive experiences, and try to write something that I can use as a future reference; and as I understood early on, writing strictly such things as, "Woo Hoo" and "Super Awesome," et cetera, and conversely, blasting unnecessary negativity, both are unfulfilling to me, and inevitably serve no purpose to me in the future, hence, I rarely write such types of reviews; although believe me, I definitely understand that polarized reviews sell a lot of advertising. So, as I write about the monument to our nation's first leader, a man who stood without precedent for his ideas and methods, and was eventually revered, I'm not only in awe of the monument and the man, I find comfort that originality wins in the end, even if not understood in the present. Few structures are as notoriously placed in the center of a city as the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. Known as one of the world's most famous obelisks, located on the National Mall in D.C., the Washington Monument was erected to honor President George Washington, Founding Father and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Located east of the Reflecting Pool, the obelisk is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, making it the world's tallest stone structure, as well as the world's tallest obelisk at 554 feet and 7 inches. It is the tallest monumental column in the world, and was once the tallest structure in the world during the 1800s. Originally designed by Robert Mills, he was not able to include all of his proposed elements due to a lack of funding at the time. GEORGE WASHINGTON George Washington was our nation's first leader, serving as president from 1789 until 1797, making him an integral Founding Father to the creation of our country. He presided over the 1787 Continental Convention, helping to draft the United States Constitution. He is lovingly referred to as the "father of the country" both during his lifetime, as well as today. Born and raised in colonial Virginia, Washington made his military debut during the French and Indian War. Growing frustrated with British rule over his colony, Washington became the Commander-in-Chief during the Revolutionary War, defeating the British and declaring American independence. For his historic efforts, statesmen immediately called for some kind of memorial to commemorate all that he did for this country. WASHINGTON MONUMENT (THEN) Construction began briskly during 1848, but was later halted from 1855 until 1877 due to a lack of funding, the Civil War, and a lack of organization in the Washington National Monument Society. Finally completed in 1884, fine details were not officially completed until 1888. The Washington Monument is a hallow Egyptian style stone obelisk, including a 15-foot-wide base and a 1.5-foot-wide top. The walls themselves are incredibly thin, at only 7 inches thick, supported by 6 arches altogether. The top of the pyramidion is a large marble capstone with a small aluminum pyramid at its apex and inscriptions on all four sides. The interior features iron stairs that spiral up the walls, with an elevator in the center, supported by 8 iron columns. The stairs contain 50 sections, with many long landings stretching between them along the walls. Lastly, the pyramidion has 8 observation windows. WASHINGTON MONUMENT (NOW) Today, the pyramid attracts millions of visitors every single year. Barely surviving an earthquake in 2011 that slightly damaged the structure, managers are constantly watching the integrity of the pyramid despite seismic activity. CONCLUSION Although currently temporarily closed to visitors, the Washington Monument stands tall, dead center in our nation's capital, and visible to all. For me, it's a strong reminder of the importance of a country which stands for individuality, and belief in oneself. 5/5 RECOMMEND read more

Although I have been to the Washington Monument several times as a youngster through school trips and family vacations, I do not think I truly appreciated it until I recently returned to our nations capitol for a long weekend. As a child many of us are dragged here for the history (there are 890 steps, each state donated a stone - the one from Alaska is Jade, 1/3 of the way up the monument changes color because their ran out of money and had to go to a different quarry) and we nod and wait until we can leave and go to the "cool" places like the Air and Space Museum or the Museum of American History. But as an adult - the Washington Monument itself turns into more than just a recognizable symbol. It's a monument that has stood not only the test of time, but the test of Mother Nature, having recently reopened after undergoing significant renovations due to an earthquake. And in additional to all those cool facts listed above is that you might actually enjoy the facts before you are brought to the top for the piece de resistance....the view. And what a view it is. Even if you don't like tours - the panoramic views of the city are breathtaking and provide some great photo ops. And who knows, you might just actually learn something while you are there. Pro tip - before heading to DC, make sure you reserve tickets. It will probably save you a headache or two. read more

It's huge!!! It's awesome up close but also cool from a far. I really like it at the end of the Reflecting Pool or even at Lincolns Monument. read more