Which is Taller?
When it comes to iconic American landmarks, the Washington Monument and the Statue of Liberty are two of the most recognizable. These towering structures are synonymous with American pride and patriotism. However, when it comes to height, one monument clearly stands above the other. In this article, we will explore the heights of both the Washington Monument and the Statue of Liberty to determine which is taller.
The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is a towering obelisk located in the National Mall in Washington D.C. It was built to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington, and was completed in 1884. The monument is made of marble, granite, and sandstone and stands at an impressive 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches tall. It is the tallest structure in Washington D.C. and one of the tallest in the United States. Its height is emphasized by its location at the highest point in the National Mall, giving it an even more imposing presence.
History of the Washington Monument
The idea for a Washington Monument was first proposed in 1783, but it wasn’t until 1848 that construction on the monument began. The project was delayed for many years due to lack of funding, the Civil War, and other issues. The monument was finally completed in 1884, nearly 100 years after the idea was first proposed.
Construction of the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument was constructed using several different types of stone, including marble, granite, and sandstone. The marble used in the construction was sourced from Maryland, while the granite came from Massachusetts. The sandstone used in the monument’s foundation was quarried from Virginia. The monument was constructed using a technique called "rubble masonry," in which irregularly shaped stones were laid together without the use of mortar.
Height of the Washington Monument
The Washington Monument stands at an impressive 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches tall. It is the tallest structure in Washington D.C. and one of the tallest in the United States. The monument’s height is emphasized by its location at the highest point in the National Mall. Its height also makes it visible from many parts of the city, further emphasizing its importance as a national landmark.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a towering figure located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from the people of France to the United States and was dedicated in 1886. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and stands at a height of 305 feet and 1 inch, including its pedestal. The statue itself is made of copper and steel and is one of the most recognizable symbols of American freedom and democracy.
History of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States in honor of the centennial of American independence. The idea for the statue was first proposed in 1865, and it took over 20 years for it to be fully completed and shipped to the United States. The statue quickly became a symbol of American freedom and democracy, welcoming immigrants to the country and standing as a symbol of American values.
Construction of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was constructed in France and then shipped to the United States in sections. The statue itself is made of copper and is held together by an iron frame. The statue’s pedestal was constructed in the United States and is made of concrete and granite. The pedestal was necessary to elevate the statue to its current height and to provide a stable base for the statue.
Height of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands at a height of 305 feet and 1 inch, including its pedestal. The statue itself is 151 feet tall, while its pedestal is 154 feet tall. The statue’s height makes it one of the tallest structures in New York City and a symbol of American freedom and democracy.
Comparison of Heights
When it comes to height, the Washington Monument clearly stands above the Statue of Liberty. The Washington Monument is over 200 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, standing at 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches compared to the Statue of Liberty’s 305 feet and 1 inch. However, both monuments are impressive in their own right and serve as symbols of American history and values.
Which is Taller? The Verdict
After comparing the heights of the Washington Monument and the Statue of Liberty, it is clear that the Washington Monument is taller. While the Statue of Liberty is an impressive monument in its own right, it simply cannot compete with the towering height of the Washington Monument.
Conclusion: Tallest Monument in the US
The Washington Monument stands as the tallest monument in the United States, towering over all other structures in Washington D.C. and many other parts of the country. Its impressive height and location on the National Mall make it one of the most recognizable and iconic American landmarks. The Statue of Liberty may not be as tall, but it still serves as a symbol of American freedom and democracy, welcoming immigrants to the country and standing as a proud testament to American values.
