The Design and Construction of the Washington Monument

Background on the Washington Monument:

The Washington Monument is an iconic symbol of the United States, standing at a height of 555 feet, it is the tallest stone structure in the world. The monument is located in Washington D.C, in the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S Capitol. The monument honors the first president of the United States, George Washington, and serves as a tribute to his leadership and contributions to the country.

Purpose of the article:

The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed look into the design and construction of the Washington Monument. We will explore the history of the monument, from the original design proposals to the final design that stands today. Additionally, we will delve into the construction of the monument, including the materials used, the challenges faced, and the role of slaves and African American workers in the construction. Through this post, we aim to provide readers with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Washington Monument as a symbol of American identity and its significance in history.

Original design proposals:

When the concept of building a monument to honor George Washington was first proposed, there were several different design proposals submitted. Some suggestions included a statue of Washington on horseback, a mausoleum, and a pyramid. The design that ultimately won the competition was an obelisk, submitted by Robert Mills, a prominent American architect.

Final design and architectural features:

The final design of the Washington Monument is an obelisk, made of marble, granite, and sandstone. The obelisk is decorated with 36 panels, each representing a state in the Union at the time of Washington’s death. The base of the monument is made of marble, while the upper portion is made of granite. The obelisk is topped with a pyramid-shaped capstone made of aluminum, which was added in 1884. The capstone is also decorated with a lightning rod.

Symbolism and meaning behind the design:

The obelisk was chosen as the final design for the Washington Monument as it symbolizes the unity of the country, and the strength and stability of the new nation. The pyramid-shaped capstone symbolizes the ancient Egyptians who had obelisks and it is also a reference to the pyramids in Washington D.C, which were considered a symbol of strength and power. Additionally, the obelisk was also seen as a symbol of Washington’s leadership, as it stands tall and is a focal point among the other monuments in the National Mall. The 36 panels, each representing a state, also serve as a reminder of the unity of the country, and the fact that Washington’s leadership helped to bring the states together under one nation.

Timeline of construction:

Construction of the Washington Monument began in 1848, but it was halted several times due to lack of funds and the Civil War. The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, and the monument was officially dedicated in 1885. The construction took a total of 37 years to complete.

Challenges faced during construction:

Construction of the Washington Monument was not without its challenges. One major issue was a lack of funds, which caused the project to be halted several times. Additionally, the Civil War also caused construction to be put on hold. Another major challenge was the lack of quality stone available for the construction. The original plan was to use marble, but due to the high cost, it was decided to use a mixture of marble, granite, and sandstone.

Materials used in construction:

The Washington Monument is made primarily of marble, granite, and sandstone. The base of the monument is made of marble, while the upper portion is made of granite. The pyramid-shaped capstone is made of aluminum. The obelisk is decorated with 36 panels, each representing a state in the Union at the time of Washington’s death.

Role of slaves and African American workers in construction:

Slaves and African American workers played a significant role in the construction of the Washington Monument. Many of the workers who built the monument were slaves who were rented out by their owners. Additionally, free African American workers also worked on the monument. The exact number of slaves and African American workers who worked on the construction of the monument is not known, but it is estimated that they made up a significant portion of the workforce.

Recap of key points:

In this video, we explored the design and construction of the Washington Monument. We discussed the original design proposals, the final design and architectural features, and the symbolism and meaning behind the design. We also looked at the timeline of construction, the challenges faced during construction, the materials used in construction, and the role of slaves and African American workers in the construction.

Significance of the Washington Monument today:

The Washington Monument continues to hold great significance today as an important symbol of American identity and the nation’s history. It serves as a reminder of the leadership and contributions of George Washington, the first president of the United States, and the unity of the country. The monument is also an important tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to Washington D.C.