Last Updated on September 1, 2022 by Left Lane
The Washington Monument is the tallest Obelisk, in the world. Coming in at a whopping 555’ Feet Tall!
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What is an Obelisk? According to the New Oxford American Dictionary. An Obelisk “is a stone pillar (column, or needle), typically having a square, or rectangular cross section, and a Pyramidal top. Normally set up as a monument or Landmark”.
Want to see another interesting Obelisk we’ve seen during our travels around the world? just Click Here To Check It Out
This massive monument is made up of granite, marble, and a metamorphic rock known as gneiss. The Washington Monument was built to honor the founding father of the United States, George Washington.
Interested in seeing another Massive Monument built in honor of George Washington? Just check out my other article HERE
George Washington was the first President of the United States. He was also the General, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army of the 13 Colonies. During the American Revolutionary War from 1775 – 1783.
History of The Washington Monument
With the inside of this great Monument being hollow. It contains a spiral staircase, and an elevator. This giant obelisk had to be completed in 2 separate phases, due to funding shortages, and the Civil War.
Want to know what makes the Washington Monument different from the Obelisks of Ancient Egypt?
Here’s the 3 main things that set it apart:
- 1 – The Washington Monument is hollow on the inside. Where as an Egyptian Obelisk is built from solid stone.
- 2 – Another way the two are different, is this particular Monument is made from a multitude of stones. While Ancient Egyptian Obelisks were made of a single, giant monolithic stone.
- 3. The final, but not last way they’re different. Is the Washington Monument, isn’t covered in hieroglyphs, nor has it ever been located in Egypt.
A contest was held to decide how this great Obelisk would be created. It was almost a Horseback mounted George Washington, Statue. Then it was almost a central tomb inside the capital building underneath its great dome. Before the winner, Robert Mills won the contest in 1845.
His original design for the Monument included it being circled by a Greek inspired grand colonnade. Which was later scrapped due to funding, but not without great protest.
Plan Your Visit
If you would like to plan you very own tour of Washington D.C. to see this historical monument, and many more: Click Here
For more Information on George Washington, and this massive Monument built in his honor. Just Click Here
