The Washington Monument

November 29, 2007

So no trip to Washington DC would be complete without a trip up the Washington Monument. It is about 170 metres (555 feet) tall although the highest people can go up is about 150 metres (500 feet). It does offer a wonderful view though. As it is with most things in DC, visiting the Monument is free, but you do have to have a ticket, you have to be there at the time of your ticket (or go get another one) and you have to go through security (not as strict as other places but still takes a few moments).

The monument was built to tower over everything else in DC so people would be reminded how huge Washington (as in George) was to the early United States. The monument does not look anything like the original design which was suppose to be a temple that would house statues of Washington and other American heros. Construction started in 1848 but when the moument reached just 50 metres (156 feet), construction was stopped due to a lack of funding. It was 18 years before construction started again. The monument was finally dedicated in 1885.

Here you can see the line (change in colour) where they stopped the original construction of the monument. Don't believe anyone who tells you the reason for the discolouration is because the monument is lowered into the ground at night so it won't be hit by aircraft.

The day I decided to head to the monument I was a little worried because it was an overcast day. I was not sure that I would be able to see much but as I made my way out of the metro station, the clouds cleared and the sun came out so I was able to see a lot (I could almost see my house from up there). Anyway, here are a few pictures from my visit.

Looking to the north you get this great view of the White House. In the bottom of the picture you can see the big christmas tree.

Looking to the west you get this great view of the World War 2 Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial

This is looking straight down through the east windows. It is a long way down and anyone who knows me knows I am not a fan of heights so didn't stay looking here for long.

Julie