6 Fascinating Facts About the Washington Monument
The truth about the tallest building in Washington
A structure that has become a popular landmark of Washington DC and the United States, celebrated for its iconic design, durability, and unique construction style. The Washington monument has lived over 220 years and it is the tallest building in Washington DC.
Firmly situated due east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, the obelisk monument is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss.
The unique structure of the Washington Monument was proposed by Robert Mills an architect from South Carolina who won a design contest held by the Washington National Monument Society in 1833.
To commemorate the grand opening, Robert Winthrop presented an inspirational speech. The people of Washington DC and Historians in America will always quote this memorable line from Winthrop’s speech: “An earthquake may shake its foundations … but the character which it commemorates and illustrates is secure.”
The monument has survived an earthquake.
On August 23, 2011, the Washington monument was hit by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake, known as the 2011 Virginia earthquake. Although it happened while tourists were inside the monument, there…
