I’ve been trying all day to decide on how to approach this piece of My Hometown. So, I decided to go with a few FAQs
Without a doubt one of the most recognized symbols in Washington, DC and perhaps the United States is the Washington Monument.
- Who designed the Washington Monument?
Robert Mills was the architect. His original design called for the monument to be 600 feet, but Thomas Casey who finished the monument was persuaded to widen the base thereby making the monument its current height - How tall is the Monument?
The Washington Monument is the tallest obelisk in the world. It stands at 555 feet 5 1/8 inches tall and 55 feet wide at the base. - Why does the color change on the outside of the monument?
There were two phases to building the monument. The first phase was done by a private organization, The Washington National Monument Society from 1848-1854. The society ultimately ran out of money and it went unconstructed for 22 years. In 1876 Congress assumed the building and funding of the monument. By this time the original quarry in Baltimore was no longer available and Thomas Casey turned to a quarry in Massachussets. He later realized that you could see the that it was different and he switched to another quarry in Baltimore. - How many stones were used to build the monument?
Over 36,000 - How many flags are at the base of the Washington Monument?
There is a flag for each State in the Union — 50 - When will the Washington Monument reopen?
The Monument will reopen May 12, 2014 and there’s going to be great big shindig to celebrate.
The Washington Monument at sunset.
Why couldn’t I be doing the repelling? Love repelling.
Engineers assessing the damage after the 2011 earthquake that registered a 5.8 on the Richter Scale.
Photo Credit: nps.gov
The 50 flags of at the base of the Washington Monument
Photo Credit: traveladventures.org
20/20 Hines Sight 