The Washington monument and its location
The Washington monument is one of the most well-known landmarks in the United States. It is a 555-foot obelisk located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The monument was built to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington, who was instrumental in the founding of the country. The monument has become a symbol of American democracy and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Mississippi river and its significance
The Mississippi river is the second-longest river in North America, stretching for almost 2,400 miles from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a major transportation route for goods and people and has played a significant role in the history and development of the United States. The Mississippi river is often considered a dividing line between the eastern and western parts of the country, with many cities and states located on its banks.
The Washington monument’s location history
The location of the Washington monument has been a topic of controversy since its inception. The original plans for the monument called for it to be located on the east side of the Capitol building, but this was later changed due to concerns about the stability of the ground in that area. The current location on the National Mall was chosen in 1877, but even this location was not without controversy. Some argued that the monument should have been located closer to the Potomac River or even on the other side of the river.
The controversy surrounding the monument’s location
The controversy surrounding the location of the Washington monument centers around whether or not it lies east of the Mississippi river. Some argue that the monument does lie east of the river, while others claim that it does not. The debate is fueled by differing interpretations of what constitutes "east" of the river and conflicting information about the location of the river itself.
Arguments for the monument lying east of the Mississippi river
Those who believe that the Washington monument lies east of the Mississippi river point to the fact that the Potomac River, which flows through Washington, D.C., is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, which in turn flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Since the Atlantic Ocean is east of the Mississippi river, they argue that the monument must be east of the river as well.
Arguments against the monument lying east of the Mississippi river
Those who argue that the Washington monument does not lie east of the Mississippi river point to the fact that the Mississippi river flows through the center of the United States, and that the eastern and western parts of the country are generally defined by whether they lie east or west of the river. They also argue that the Potomac River is not the same as the Mississippi river and that the monument cannot be considered east of the river simply because it is located on the eastern side of the country.
The role of geography in determining the monument’s location
Geography plays a significant role in determining the location of the Washington monument. The monument was built on the National Mall, which is a large open space located in the heart of Washington, D.C. The location was chosen for its proximity to other important landmarks and because it offered a clear view of the city. However, the location also had to take into account the stability of the ground and the safety of the monument.
The impact of the monument’s location on tourism
The location of the Washington monument has a significant impact on tourism in the United States. The monument is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, drawing millions of visitors each year. Its location on the National Mall, surrounded by other important landmarks and museums, makes it an ideal destination for tourists.
The significance of the monument’s location to American history
The location of the Washington monument is significant to American history because it is a symbol of American democracy and the ideals upon which the country was founded. The monument honors George Washington, who played a critical role in the founding of the United States and whose leadership helped to establish the country as a beacon of freedom and democracy.
The current understanding of the monument’s location
The current understanding of the location of the Washington monument is that it does not lie east of the Mississippi river. While there is still some debate on the matter, most sources agree that the monument is located on the eastern side of the country but not east of the river.
Conclusion: The truth about the Washington monument’s location
In conclusion, the location of the Washington monument has been a topic of controversy since its inception. While some argue that it lies east of the Mississippi river, most sources agree that it does not. Regardless of its exact location, the monument remains a symbol of American democracy and a testament to the ideals upon which the country was founded.
References: Sources used to research the monument’s location
- National Park Service. "Washington Monument." Accessed August 12, 2021. https://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm.
- PBS. "Washington Monument." Accessed August 12, 2021. .
- United States Geological Survey. "The Mississippi River." Accessed August 12, 2021. .
