The Washington Monument

15th Street
and Constitution Avenue. NW
Washington, DC
Phone: 202-426-6841

 

The most prominent landmark in Washington, DC. the Washington Monument stands as the centerpiece of the National Mall . Authorized by Congress in 1833, and designed by architect Robert Mills construction was begun in 1848. In 1854 construction to halt lasting for almost 25 years. In 1876, the Grant administration negotiated the donation of the project donated to the people of the United States (from the private organization that had commenced the project) allowing Congress to appropriate public funding for the Monument's completion. Construction was resumed in 1878 under the auspices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers .  The exterior of the obelisk was completed in 1884. It was dedicated in 1885 by President Chester A. Arthur and opened to the public in 1888. The Washington Monument is 555 feet tall. It is made of marble from two different quarries resulting in the change of color about one-third of the way up. An elevator takes visitors on the 70 second trip up to the 500 foot landing for magnificent views of the city. Open: April to September from 8 a.m. until 11:45 p.m., and from 9 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. the rest of the year. Free tickets for a timed entrance are available at the ticket kiosk on15th street at the base of the monument. Visitation can be heavy and ticket lines can be long. Advance tickets are available for a service charge through Ticketmaster of Washington, D.C. Admission: Free  Metro: Smithsonian (Tourmobile Old Town Trolley)  Related Links:NPS Washington Monument Site