THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

WASHINGTON MONUMENT COMPLETION

The most prominent landmark in Washington, DC, the Washington Monument, stands as the centerpiece of the National Mall. At 555 feet tall, it towers over the skyline as the tallest structure. Authorized by Congress in 1833 and designed by architect Robert Mills, construction began in 1848. In 1854, with the Civil War looming, construction halted for almost 25 years. It took until 1878 for building to resume under the auspices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Marble from two different quarries was used, resulting in a change of color about one-third of the way up. The exterior of the obelisk was finally completed in 1884. President Chester A. Arthur dedicated the landmark in 1885. The interior opened to the public in 1888. Today, an elevator takes visitors on the 70 second trip up to the 500 foot landing for magnificent views of the city.