


Closed for several years due to ongoing issues with its electric elevator, the Washington Monument reopened to the public in September 2019. Before you you ride the brand-new elevator to the pointed top for the best view in the nation’s capital, check out these surprising Washington Monument facts.
Although he lived more than 220 years ago, practically every American from kindergarten on knows that George Washington was:
- a plantation owner at Mount Vernon in northern Virginia,
- a successful general who led a ragtag group of patriots to victory over England,
- a Founding Father, and
- the first president of the United States.
But how many Americans know these facts about the tallest building in Washington DC, honoring our first president?

To help offset the costs of running SilverSightseer.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site. If you choose to make a purchase via one of these links, there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission. You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the full disclosure page.

Have You Visited The Washington Monument?
Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #silversightseer
1. The Current Design Was Not the Original Plan for the Washington Monument
Beginning shortly after the American Revolution, a monument honoring General Washington was discussed. In fact, Pierre L’Enfant’s original design for Washington, DC, included a prominent space for the capital city’s namesake between the White House and the US Capitol.
When George Washington died in 1799, Congress authorized the construction of a memorial honoring POTUS #1. But bickering over what type of landmark would appropriately honor him and a lack of funding stalled the project. And, when the Jeffersonian Republicans gained power at the turn of the century, they promptly voted to cancel the project (more on that later).
Fast forward a few decades to 1833. The Washington National Monument Society was established and successfully raised a good chunk of change to fund the memorial. The society held a contest to select a designer for the Washington Monument. An architect named Robert Mills from South Carolina won, but his design is not what you see today when you visit Washington, DC.

Mills’s original design was much more grandiose. It featured an obelisk similar to the one you know and love today but standing on a base of thirty 100-foot columns. Resembling the Roman Pantheon, each of the columns would be dedicated to one of the 30 signers of the Declaration of Independence. And George Washington was incorporated into the monument as a statue standing in a chariot pulled by six horses. (That takes the iconic image of General Washington on horseback to a whole new level, right?)
2. The Original Monument Design was $1 Million in 1848
Although the Washington National Monument Society picked Mills’s proposal as the winner of its design competition, critics felt it was over the top and too expensive. After all, $1 million in the 1840s is about $32.5 million in today’s dollars.
So a simplified version of Mills’s design featuring just the Egyptian obelisk began in 1848, but by the time the monument was officially opened to the public in 1888, it was at a cost of $1.4 million. (Good thing they stopped there!)
While $32.5 million is a lot of money, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial currently under construction just across Independence Ave SW from the National Air and Space Museum will total about $150 million when it’s completed. And the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, cost $175 million to construct.
3. When the Cornerstone Was Laid on July 4, 1848, Three Future Presidents Were in Attendance
Nearly 50 years after Washington’s death, the cornerstone was laid for his monument. The stone was embedded with a box including a portrait of George Washington, a Bible, a map of the city, and a copy of the United States Constitution. It was inscribed with these words, “4th July, 1848. This Corner-Stone Laid of a Monument, by the People of the United States, to the Memory of George Washington.”
More than 20,000 people covered the grassy expanse of the National Mall on America’s birthday to participate in the event. But a little known Washington Monument fact is that three future presidents were in attendance:
- James Buchanan, POTUS #15
- Abraham Lincoln, POTUS #16
- Andrew Johnson, POTUS #17
4. It Took Years (And Years) to Finish the Washington Monument
Once the cornerstone was laid on Independence Day 1848, it took another four decades before the nation’s first Washington, DC, monument was completed.

The first roadblock was in 1858 when funding ran out and the obelisk had reached only a quarter of its planned height. And a few years later, the Civil War broke out. One of the most surprising Washington Monument facts is that the grassy area surrounding the partially completed monument was used to feed cattle raised to supply Union troops during America’s bloodiest conflict.
That brings a whole new meaning to appropriating public land!

As America celebrated her 100th birthday, a desire to complete the paused project honoring her first president grew. Many folks thought that the lone obelisk without its colonnade resembled a lone stalk of asparagus and wasn’t as grand and impressive as it should be to honor a man like George Washington. But, as you know, a single stone structure was ultimately completed after a few modifications were made to ensure the obelisk had classic Egyptian proportions.
With a design decided once and for all, construction resumed in 1879 under the leadership of Lt. Col. Lincoln Casey and the Corps of Engineers. The exterior of the monument was completed in 1884, and a formal dedication was held on the eve of what would have been Washington’s 153rd birthday on February 21, 1885.
5. And It STILL Took Years Before the Monument Was Open to the Public
After its dedication in 1885, more work had to be done before opening the monument to the public. Tasks included the completion of an iron staircase inside the monument to allow folks to visit the observation deck, and ultimately an elevator.
At long last, nearly 90 years after Washington’s death, the monument honoring the war hero and first president opened to the public on October 9, 1888.
Pro Tip: From the White House to George Washington University, learn more about the nation’s first president in this interactive scavenger hunt of Washington, DC.
6. The Washington Monument on the National Mall is Not the First Monument Honoring the First US President

Although the Washington Monument on the National Mall is the most recognized monument honoring America’s first president, it’s not the first monument to do so.
While the powers that be in DC spent decades arguing, architect Robert Mills quietly constructed his own Washington monument. On land donated by Col. John Eager Howard in Baltimore, about 40 miles northeast of the National Mall, Mills finished a nearly 200-foot Doric column with panoramic views from the top in 1829.
7. The Washington Monument is Two Different Shades of White

When the Army Corps of Engineers resumed construction after more than two decades, stones from the original Maryland quarry were no longer available. Stone from a Massachusetts quarry was used instead, but after a few feet were added, builders were displeased with its look. So the monument was completed with stones from another quarry in Maryland.
At the time, the new stone looked like a decent match. However, environmental elements aged the stones differently, and you’ll notice a visible color difference in the upper two-thirds of the obelisk.
Pro Tip: One of the coolest ways to see the monuments and memorials of Washington, DC, is via a guided night tour.
8. The Top of the Washington Monument Weighs More Than a Ton and is Capped with This Surprising Metal
At some point between Mills’s original design for the Washington Monument and the version completed by the Army Corps of Engineers, the tip of the obelisk evolved from a flat top to a pointed capstone. The pyramid-shaped stone at the top of the monument weighs 3,300 pounds and was pulled through one of the observation windows and hoisted into place.

But the very tip of the capstone is an approximately nine-inch aluminum piece. You read that correctly — not gold, silver, bronze, or copper. Aluminum. While thicker than the aluminum foil used to wrap up and smoke ribs for a barbeque, that’s a lot of Reynolds Wrap!

Legend has it that aluminum was more precious than silver at the time and predominantly used for jewelry, but several sources I reviewed suggested that the two metals were equally priced at $1 per ounce. While aluminum is an everyday metal in our 21st-century lives, the monument topper was the biggest piece of aluminum in its day (at less than a foot tall). And before it capped the Washington Monument, it was displayed at Tiffany’s jewelry store in New York.
The more likely reason behind the unusual metal choice was that aluminum was believed to be the best deterrent for lightning strikes. While that may have been conventional wisdom of engineers in the 1880s, unfortunately aluminum is a conductor of electricity.
And when the engineers returned to the top of the Washington Monument six months after placing the aluminum pyramid at the top, they discovered that it had not only been struck by lightning but had melted about 3/8ths of an inch. So lightning rods were added to the tip of the landmark, and the aluminum piece became nothing more than a unique decoration.
Each of the four angled sides of the pyramid include inscriptions recognizing the men who designed and built the monument as well as marking milestones during the landmark’s construction. On the east face, positioned to face the rising sun each morning, are the Latin words “Laus Deo” which mean “Praise be to God.”
So, it’s no wonder the Washington Monument plays an important role in Dan Brown’s thriller The Lost Symbol. If you’ve ever read one of Dan Brown’s books, then you know to expect plot twists, hidden symbols, and mysterious Freemasons to connect with a monument with a Bible embedded in its cornerstone and a Latin-inscribed, pyramid-shaped capstone.
9. When Completed, the Washington Monument Was the World's Tallest Man-Made Structure
(And its size still matters today)

Although the obelisk originally designed by Mills was 600 feet tall, the Washington Monument ultimately built stands at 555 feet, 5-⅛ inches tall. When the exterior was completed in 1884, it was the tallest structure in the world.
But, it didn’t hold the top spot for long. The Eiffel Tower knocked it to second place when it opened as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. But the Washington Monument remains both the world’s tallest predominantly stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk. And, its size will always matter in Washington, DC, because no building in DC is allowed to be taller than the Washington Monument.
Pro Tip: It’s easy to walk a marathon each day that you explore Washington, DC. Give your feet a break by touring the monuments by bike.
10. The Washington Monument Doesn’t Just Honor America’s First President, It Unites the Nation
Encircling the Washington Monument, 50 American flags continuously fly around the obelisk’s base.

Set inside the east and west interior walls are nearly 200 memorial stones. Although the United States didn’t have 50 states until 1959 when Hawaii joined the union, all of them are represented by a memorial stone along with cities, foreign countries, organizations, and individuals.

The memorial stones range in size from small squares a little more than a foot wide to large rectangles that measure six feet by eight feet. They are carved out of a variety of stones, like granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone, and are accented with materials as unique and varied as each presenting destination or organization. There is jade from Alaska, petrified wood from Arizona, copper from Michigan, and pipestone from Minnesota.
Since the stairs inside the Washington Monument were closed in 1976, the only way to really see the memorial stones is via an occasional ranger-led tour. Unfortunately, even those were discontinued after an earthquake impacted the building back in 2011. And when I visited the District of Columbia in March 2021, a U.S. National Park Service ranger told me that lead had been discovered in the stairwell paint making it even less likely they would resume any time soon.
Fun Fact: The state of Utah has two memorial stones inside the Washington Monument. It contributed one stone as a US territory using the pre-territorial name of Deseret and another stone after being admitted as the 45th state on January 4, 1896.
11. The Washington Monument is the Only Presidential Monument in Washington That Requires a Ticket
This Washington Monument fact requires you to plan ahead when you visit Washington, DC.
Since the stairs are permanently closed to visitors, the only way to ascend to the top of the Washington Monument is by elevator. There is no cost to ride the elevator, but only a set number of tickets are available each day.
So to ensure you can gaze out one of the eight observation windows and see up to 30 miles on a clear day, you may want to splurge the $1.50 per ticket to reserve a spot on your preferred day.
Whether you reserve your ticket in advance or take your chances, be glad that the elevator ride has improved over the years: When the original steam-driven elevator was installed, it took about ten minutes to climb the landmark. And, the contraption was considered to be so dangerous that only men were allowed to ride it. (Yes, women and children had to climb all 897 stairs. How gallant!)
12. A 5.8-Magnitude Earthquake Damaged the Washington Monument in 2011
When I think of earthquakes, I think of California. And when I think of a 5.8 magnitude in California, I don’t expect there to be much damage. But that’s not how things worked out for the Washington Monument in August 2011.
The quake damaged the elevator, broke off stone (hopefully none of those memorial ones), and opened cracks in the monument that were substantial enough for light to shine through. Repairs cost approximately $15 million, but billionaire philanthropist David M. Rubenstein of Bethesda, Maryland, donated half the funds.
Other Facts About the Washington Monument
Additional facts and figures about the Washington Monument in Washington, DC.
Where is the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It’s directly south of the White House and directly east of the Lincoln Memorial.
Who Does the Washington Monument Honor?
The Washington Monument honors General George Washington, a Revolutionary War hero, Founding Father, and the first president of the United States.
How Many Flags are Around the Washington Monument?
There are 50 American flags encircling the Washington Monument, one for each state in the union.
How Tall is the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument is 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches tall. When it was completed in 1884, the monument was the tallest structure in the world.
When was the Washington Monument Completed?
The Washington Monument was completed in 1884, dedicated in 1885, and opened to the public in 1888. It took approximately 40 years to complete the Washington Monument.
Who Designed the Washington Monument?
The monument was originally designed by Robert Mills, an architect from South Carolina who won a design contest held by the Washington National Monument Society in 1833. While chosen as the winning design, Mills’s original design was deemed too grandiose, and a scaled-back version was approved.
After construction was paused during the Civil War, architect Henry Searle proposed an updated design for the Washington Monument that resulted in the single obelisk you see today.
Who Built the Washington Monument?
From the placement of the cornerstone in 1848 to its grand opening to the public in 1888, it took 40 years to complete the Washington Monument. After several events stalled its progress, Thomas Casey and the US Army Corps of Engineers ultimately completed the Washington Monument.
Was the Washington Monument Built by Slaves?
While several historic buildings — like the White House and US Capitol Building — were built by slaves, it seems the facts surrounding the Washington Monument are a little more hazy.
While there doesn’t appear to be any evidence that enslaved people constructed the obelisk, slave labor was commonly employed at Maryland quarries used to source the monument’s stone blocks.
What is the Washington Monument Made of?
The Washington Monument is constructed of white marble blocks, blue gneiss, and granite.
Why is the Washington Monument Two Colors?
When construction of the Washington Monument began after a 20 year pause, stone blocks from the original quarry in Maryland were no longer available. Stones sourced from a new quarry appeared to match, but the materials have aged differently. Look for a visible difference in color about one third of the way up the structure.
Can You Go Inside the Washington Monument?
Yes, but a limited number of people can visit per day and a ticket is required.
Can You Go Up the Washington Monument?
Yes, but a ticket is required and space is limited.
How Many Steps are in the Washington Monument?
There are just under 900 steps inside the Washington Monument. However, the stairs inside the Washington Monument have been closed to visitors since the 1970s.
Practical Information for Visiting the Washington Monument
What’s the Address of the Washington Monument?
The Washington Monument is located at 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC
When is the Washington Monument Open?
The Washington Monument is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except on Christmas Day (December 25th).
Is There a Cost to Visit the Washington Monument?
There is no cost to visit or ascend the Washington Monument, but an entry ticket is required and there are a limited number of tickets available each day.
How to Get Washington Monument Tickets
Information about tickets to the Washington Monument (including advanced ticket reservations) is available on the National Park Service website.
What is the Best Place to Park Near the Washington Monument?
While public transportation is the most convenient way to visit the Washington Monument, limited public parking is available at the Paddle Boat Parking Lot along Maine Ave. SW, and along Ohio Drive, SW between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials.
Have You Visited the Washington Monument in Washington, DC?
What did you like most about your visit to the Washington Monument? Did you get a chance to go up to the observation deck 500 feet above the nation’s capital? Any additional Washington Monument facts to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.



You Might Also Enjoy

Best Places to Stay in DC. Find the perfect neighborhood based on your itinerary.

Arlington House. How Robert E. Lee’s home became a national cemetery.
Thank you for sharing!
This is a fascinating history of the Washington monument! I would definitely prefer the elevator to the top, but why are the stairs permanently closed today?
They’ve been closed for a super long time. Don’t quote me on this, but I think it’s part monument security post 9/11, part a structural integrity thing, and part makes the folks managing the monument’s life easier thing.
I didn’t know these facts about the Washington Monument! A fascinating article with a lot of information. I also appreciate that you put the historical photos from building times!
I didn’t realize that the Washington Monument had been closed, so wonderful to hear that it’s reopened again! I also don’t think I’ve ever realized it has two different colors despite visiting it several times in my life.
My two youngest daughters and I are headed to DC next month. We are so excited to be able to go up in the monument this time!
We recently refreshed our memory on how the monument is two different shades due to the stall in building while watching the 2nd National Treasure movie!
I went into the monument when I was in high school, but haven’t been back since.
And you’re so close to it!
My granddaughter and I did a skip-gen trip before COVID to D.C. and had a great time. We are planning a return trip and some of these tips will be helpful for a trip to the top to the Washington Monument. We didn’t go up to the top before.
A “skip-gen” trip. OMG, I LOVE that term! I want to be that kind of a cool grandma one day (when I have grandkids)!