Today in History: Washington Monument
Today in History–December 6–the Library of Congress features the Washington Monument, completed on this day in 1884. Construction began on July 4, 1848 but stopped for 20 years owing to a lack of funds. Construction was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under order from President Ulysses S. Grant. The 555-foot, 5-1/8″ marble obelisk honors founding father George Washington and is the tallest structure in Washington D.C. and the tallest masonry structure in the world. On August 22, 2011, an earthquake caused significant damage to the monument. Learn more fun, fascinating facts by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to this singular building.
Washington Monument sheet music
Washington Monument legislation
Address of President Coolidge at the Dedication of the New Mexico Stone in the Washington Monument (December 2, 1927)
Washington Monument books & articles
Washington Monument timeline and select newspaper articles