W A S H I N G T O N   M O N U M E N T

Washington, D.C.

Criminy! The monument is so large, I cannot get a clear shot of the entire obelisk. I try to stitch the various photos together to get a single tall one, but, to no avail.

Work recommenced on the obelisk in 1880. The Maryland marble that was secured for the remainder of the construction was acquired from the same quarry, as well as from the same vein. Unfortunately, the new marble was taken from a much lower stratum because of ongoing quarrying during the 25 years of construction inactivity. As a result, a difference in rock color was realized, as evidenced by the really wide ring that runs from the 150 feet mark on up a good third of the monument. Oops! The first photo does a good job of pointing that out.

The top can be reached by a 70 second elevator ride, or, for the strong at heart, via an iron stairway. Take the stairway option and you'll be spanked by 897 steps and 50 landings. The interior walls are graced with 188 stone carvings, commemorating those individuals, groups, societies, cities, states, and nations who pitched in for its construction.

Here's a list of facts and figures:

• Total cost: $1,187,710
• Height of monument above floor: 555 feet 5 1/8 inches
• Width at base of shaft: 55 feet 1 1/2 inches
• Width at top of shaft: 34 feet 5 1/2 inches
• Thickness of walls at base of shaft: 15 feet
• Thickness of walls at top of shaft: 18 inches
• Depth of foundation: 36 feet 10 inches
• Weight of monument: 90,854 tons
• Sway of monument in 30-mile-per-hour wind: 0.125 of an inch

Unfortunately, since I cannot get into the monument, my tour has quickly come an end. The monument proves to be an interesting architectural wonder. However, I'm somewhat disappointed about it being closed. Out of a total of 5 thumbs up, the best rating I can squeak out is a paltry 3 thumbs-up.