Not just an iconic landmark, but the Washington Monument is a living historical piece that remains tall as a tribute to this historical city. Built to honor George Washington, this monument still holds the title of the world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk.
If you’re planning a trip to Washington or simply curious about the architecture that speaks to history, you’re at the right place. At DC Monument Tours, we take you on a journey of the Washington Monument and offer you the best kind that covers its origin, history, design, and provides a complete visiting guide.
The Story Behind The Washington Monument History
It all started in the 19th century after George Washington’s death in 1799. The people of the city had a wide movement to build a memorial for America’s first president. However, it took almost a decade before the project began to take shape due to political conflicts.
The official construction began in 1848, but the progress was slow due to the Civil War. The building remained unfinished, which signified the divided nation. But the construction resumed in 1876, and it was all completed by 1884. It took nearly 40 years for this granite marble monument to be constructed and remain at its finest to this day.
To see the history of this wonderful monument come alive for you, check out our Washington Monument tour packages. We have the right set of packages for you. You can choose any kind at your convenience and enjoy the time-travelling experience with us.
What Makes the Washington Monument So Interesting?
While the Washington Monument's history tells about its unique structure and elements, the monument has a few more interesting facts that attract visitors like anything. Here are a few interesting facts you’ll know:
- Despite being the tallest structure in the world, the monument has three different colors. It’s simply because of the construction, which has changed the height of the obelisk. The color also changed due to the stones, which were from a different quarry. You’ll observe that the Washington Monument is white at the bottom, thin light brown in the middle, and tannish pink on the top.
- Besides the color change, the monument had no elevators initially. The visitors had to climb 897 steps to reach the top when it first opened.
- The monument is constructed with multiple lightning rods because of DC’s frequent thunderstorms.
What Can You Expect From The Improved Washington Monument?
After years of renovation, the Washington Monument is now fully equipped with elevators that can quickly move hundreds of visitors in a day. From the topmost point, visitors can enjoy the spectacular views of all the famous monuments within 25 miles. It includes landmarks like the U.S Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Washington National Cathedral, and others.
Not only this, but also the recent elevators now offer glimpses of interior walls. These walls commemorate the history, George Washington and other artifacts.
The monument officials will provide you with an upgraded security screening for travelling to the top. Now, visiting the Washington Monument has become easier and structured like never before. Also, the new security can accommodate up to 20 visitors.
So, if you’re wondering how to spin your tour to the Washington Monument with a vintage style, check out our vintage EV Cart tour packages. We have actually added all the important itineraries, spaces and services that will make your Washington Monument tour memorable.
Also Read: The Architectural Wonders of Washington, DC
Know The Right Time To Visit The Washington Monument
Now that you have decided to see the Washington Monument, seeing it up close has to be on your bucket list. Before you get ahead, here are some key points that you must know.
- The location is on the National Mall, but the monuments stand between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Commutes such as metro, bus and our vintage EV carts can help you reach the destination.
- The ground has free entry, but you’ll require tickets to go inside the observatory. You can book the tickets online on the same day or in advance for your desired date. Please note that the last tour ticket slot ends at 4 pm.
- The Washington Monument remains open from 9 am to 6 pm daily except on days of the 3rd of July, 4th of July and 25th December. You can also find a limited number of walk-up tickets at 8:45 am outside the Washington Monument Lodge. They serve the tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The best time to visit the Washington Monument is in the early mornings or on weekdays, when there are fewer crowds.
Book The Right Trip to the Washington Monument With DC Monuments Tours
Just do not give it a second thought, and choose your preferred time slot today. We offer seasonal tour packages at the most affordable rates, where you can explore the top itineraries of the Washington Monument.
Not only that, we also provide vintage EV cart tours that make you feel like a VIP while you explore the Washington Monument. If you’re ready to experience the monument like never before, just call us at +1 202 900 3015 and book your preferred slot.
FAQs
What is written on top of the Washington Monument?
The aluminum capstone states ‘Laus Deo,’ which means ‘Praise to God’ in Latin, on one side. The other side consists of the list of the names of people who have helped to build the monument.
Can I bring a backpack into the Washington Monument?
No! You’re not allowed to carry backpacks inside for security reasons. You can’t carry large bags, food or drinks inside the premises. All you can carry is a wallet, phone and camera.
What is buried in the Washington Monument?
There's actually a zinc box buried inside the Washington Monument that's packed with cool historical stuff. It has copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, a map of Washington D.C., some old census records, coins, and a bunch of other important documents and artifacts from when it was built.
