clock Miami 22:04 Moscow 06:04
sun Miami +230С Moscow +60С

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is puzzling to many - it looks much more modest than it sounds.

History of the Washington Monument: Expectations and Reality

How the Washington Monument should look like is still argued. And what is available now does not quite correspond to the original plan.

Photo of Washington Monument and mirror pond - American ButlerIn 1832, it was 100 years since the birth of George Washington. On this occasion, particularly conscious citizens (and there were even more such then than now) began, as they would say now, a crowdfunding campaign. Across the country and even beyond its borders, began collecting funds for the construction of the monument to the great politician. For three years, accumulated, in terms of today's course, about $800 thousand.

In 1836, a competition was held for the construction project. It was won by Robert Mills - he proposed to erect the highest obelisk in the world, surrounding him with a rotunda with columns. Under the obelisk was supposed to place a statue of Washington and another 30 heroes of the War of Independence of the United States.

The project was beautiful and everyone liked everything about it. Except the price. At that time, the cost of materials and work was, again in recalculation, about $22 million.

The initiative society decided to cut off all the "extra" and start building the most prominent part of the monument - the obelisk. It was believed that during the construction process, the Americans would see the process, be inspired and begin to donate more money, for which everything else is realized. The construction went from 1844 to 1885. During this time, several Christian communities and even the Pope of Rome donated plates to the obelisk. But the matter did not move further.

Washington monument and Mirror Pond - the situation today

Washington Monument is located directly opposite the White House, on the site of the National Mall. Until now, it is only an obelisk with a height of 169 meters with a four-sided pyramid on top. The monument is hollow, inside there are only stairs and elevators to climb the upper tier. There is an observation deck overlooking the four directions of the world.

Washington Landmarks - Washington Monument - American ButlerEven with time, the composition could not be rebuilt, not only because of the budgets, but also the design features of the obelisk. Regular polls show that citizens consider it “poor” for the symbol of the capital of the United States, some are even ready to chuck in such a thing. More than half of the respondents would like to see a colonnade originally planned nearby. But the action plan did not outgrow it.

Plus to all, after the earthquake of 2011, a crack has gone across the obelisk. If the extension of something before was accompanied by the risk of collapse, today it is increasing. It is better standing exactly "pale" monument, than the symbol of power of America collapsing on cameras of onlookers. But there is a benefit from this.

To make the obelisk look more elegant, a Mirror Pond was built nearby - many may recall it in a scene from the Forrest Gump film. The pond is designed in such a way that the water in it does not ripple and does not freak out, even on a windy day. And since the stele of the monument is reflected in the water at full height, this creates an additional effect of stability and reliability of both the monument and the convictions of Washington and the country itself.

American Butler specialists know a lot more about iconic places and buildings in the USA. You can read about them on our website, and if you want to see it live, we will be happy to help you not to miss any interesting sights.

Fill out an application with your question, an order for a tour or other services in the form below. Our experts will contact you and give the most comprehensive answers.
scroll to top
Call back
Ask question
Property rental
Buying property
Property management
Book a tour
Car Rental Request
Book transfer to Miami
Miami Yacht Charter
Education in the USA
Hotel reservation
Cruises in the USA
Notification
Login | Registration
Sign in via social network
Registration advantages:
  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
Registration advantages:
  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
Login | Registration
Registration via social network
Registration advantages:
  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
Время выполнения: 0.0409 с., расход памяти: 2.57MB