Washington Monument

Clearly the most visible memorial in D.C., the Washington Monument rises 555 feet above the Mall. It is the tallest structure in Washington, D.C., and is one of the most recognizable symbols of our capital city. In addition, it is the tallest stone monument in the world.

Interesting Facts:

  • The color of the marble changes partway up. When construction resumed after the Civil War the marble was mined from a different part of the quarry.
  • The monument’s elevator travels 500 feet in just under 70 seconds.
  • There are 898 steps to the top of the monument, and 193 memorial stones line the inside of the monument as gifts from the 50 states and many foreign governments. The steps are closed to the public.

Links:

Washington Monument–National Park Service

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