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Did You Know These 12 Facts About the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument stands as an iconic symbol of American history and architectural achievement in the heart of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This magnificent obelisk, built to honor America’s first president, George Washington, holds many fascinating secrets and lesser-known facts. Here are twelve remarkable facts about this enduring symbol of American democracy.
1. Construction Took Nearly 40 Years
While construction began in 1848, the monument wasn’t completed until 1884. This lengthy period was due to several factors, including funding issues, political interference, and the Civil War. The construction halt during the Civil War lasted for 23 years, creating a visible difference in stone color at the 150-foot mark.
2. It Was Once the World’s Tallest Structure
Upon completion in 1884, the Washington Monument became the world’s tallest structure at 555 feet, 5.125 inches. It held this record until the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889. Today, it remains the world’s tallest predominantly stone structure and the tallest obelisk.
3. The Aluminum Cap Mystery
The monument’s apex is crowned with a 100-ounce aluminum cap, which serves as a lightning rod. At the time of installation, aluminum was as precious as silver, making this cap one of the largest aluminum pieces cast at the time. Today, the cap is worth significantly less due to modern aluminum production methods.
4. States Contributed Memorial Stones
The interior walls contain 193 commemorative stones donated by states, cities, foreign nations, and various organizations. These stones, visible on the monument’s inner walls, represent a unique collection of American and international tributes to George Washington.
5. The Hidden Mini-Monument
Beneath the surface lies a miniature replica of the Washington Monument, placed during the groundbreaking ceremony in 1848. This time capsule contains various historical documents and artifacts from the era, including newspapers and coins.
6. Earthquake-Proof Engineering
The monument survived the 2011 Virginia earthquake thanks to its innovative engineering. The structure can sway up to .125 inches in winds of 30 mph without structural damage. The monument’s post-earthquake repairs took nearly three years and cost $15 million.
7. Original Design Was Different
The initial design by architect Robert Mills included a circular colonnade at the base with statues of Revolutionary War heroes and 30 columns. Financial constraints and practical considerations led to the simpler obelisk design we see today.
8. Mathematical Precision
The monument’s walls are exactly 15 feet thick at the base and taper to 18 inches at the top. The ratio of the base width to height follows the classical architectural proportions used in ancient Egyptian obelisks, making it mathematically precise and aesthetically pleasing.
9. Elevator Evolution
The original steam-powered elevator took 12 minutes to reach the top. Today’s modern elevator, installed in 2001, makes the journey in 70 seconds. The first elevator was considered a technological marvel of its time and has been upgraded several times throughout the monument’s history.
10. Weather Station History
From 1894 to 1934, the monument served as a weather observation station for the U.S. Weather Bureau. Weather instruments were mounted at various levels, making it one of the highest weather stations in the world at that time.
11. Pope’s Stone Controversy
In 1854, Pope Pius IX donated a marble stone for the monument. This stone was later stolen by members of the Know-Nothing Party and allegedly thrown into the Potomac River, never to be recovered. This incident reflected the anti-Catholic sentiment of the era.
12. Lightning Strikes
The monument is struck by lightning approximately 40 times each year. Its aluminum cap and copper lightning rods, connected to the ground through the elevator shaft, protect the structure. The system has proven remarkably effective, with no significant lightning damage recorded in the monument’s history.
Conclusion
The Washington Monument is more than just a towering obelisk on the National Mall. These twelve facts reveal its complex history, engineering marvels, and cultural significance. From its lengthy construction period to its mathematical precision and technological innovations, the monument continues to stand as a testament to American ingenuity and perseverance. Understanding these lesser-known aspects helps appreciate this national treasure’s full historical and architectural significance in American history.