The Washington Monument is an iconic and historic structure located in Washington D.C., the capital of the United States. It is dedicated to the memory of the first president of the United States, George Washington. The Washington Monument is a symbol of the national pride and strength of the United States, and it is a cherished landmark that represents the country’s rich history.
Historical Background
The idea of constructing a monument in honor of George Washington was first proposed in 1783, but it wasn’t until 1833 that the construction of the Washington Monument began. The project was plagued with financial and logistical difficulties, and it took over 40 years to complete. The monument was finally dedicated in 1885, more than 100 years after George Washington’s death.
Construction of the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is a unique structure that was constructed using a combination of techniques and materials. The foundation of the monument was made of concrete and granite, and the upper portion of the monument was made of marble. The monument was built in two stages, with the first stage consisting of the foundation and the second stage consisting of the monument itself.
Design and Architecture
The Washington Monument was designed in the neoclassical style, which was popular during the 19th century. The monument’s design is based on the ancient Egyptian obelisks, which were tall, narrow, four-sided pillars with pyramid-shaped tops. The Washington Monument is 555 feet tall and has a pyramid-shaped top made of aluminum.
Size and Dimension
The Washington Monument is the tallest freestanding stone structure in the world. It is 555 feet tall and has a base diameter of 55 feet. The walls of the monument are 15 feet thick at the base, and they taper to a thickness of 18 inches at the top. The monument weighs over 80,000 tons.
Location and Surroundings
The Washington Monument is located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. It is situated between the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol Building. The National Mall is a large open space that is surrounded by the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, and other important government buildings.
Elevation above Sea Level
The Washington Monument is situated at an elevation of 555 feet above sea level. This is the same height as the monument itself, as the base of the monument is at sea level.
How was the Elevation Determined?
The elevation of the Washington Monument was determined using surveying techniques. Surveyors used a combination of leveling and triangulation methods to determine the monument’s elevation above sea level. The surveying process was carried out over a period of several years, and it involved the use of highly precise instruments and equipment.
Significance of the Elevation
The elevation of the Washington Monument has symbolic significance. It represents the lofty ideals and aspirations of the United States, and it is a testament to the country’s engineering and architectural achievements. It also serves as a point of reference for other structures in the area, and it is an important landmark for navigation.
Similar Structures
There are several other monuments and structures around the world that are similar to the Washington Monument. These include the Cleopatra’s Needle in London, the Luxor Obelisk in Paris, and the Wupatki National Monument in Arizona.
Conclusion
The Washington Monument is a remarkable structure that represents the history, pride, and strength of the United States. Its design, architecture, and location make it a unique and important landmark, and its elevation above sea level is a symbol of the country’s ideals and aspirations.
References
- National Park Service. (2021). Washington Monument. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm
- Whitehouse, A. (2019). The Washington Monument: A Brief History. Retrieved from
- Wikipedia. (2021). Washington Monument. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Monument