What does the Washington Monument teach us?

Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

What are the words on the Washington Monument?

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn’t care less.

Why is the Washington Monument 555 feet tall?

In 1836, architect Robert Mills designed a 600-foot-tall monument. But when the Army Corps of Engineers took over the long-stalled project in 1877, the height was scaled back to 555 feet, 10 times the width of the base. “It’s the formula for what an obelisk is,” Berger said of the design that dates from ancient Egypt.

What does the Washington Monument stand for?

commemorate George Washington
The Washington Monument is an obelisk within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army (1775–1784) in the American Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States (1789–1797).

Is there a Bible in the Washington Monument?

Inside Baltimore’s Washington Monument: Tiny Books, Prized Declarations. Close-up view of an 1812 bible printed with diamond type, with a modern quarter shown for scale. The bible was one of the items found in the cornerstone time capsule of Baltimore’s Washington Monument.

Why does the Washington Monument have two different colors of stones?

The two sections closely resembled each other at first, but time, wind, rain, and erosion have caused the marble sections to weather differently, thereby producing the difference in color. A third type of marble is also visible at the dividing line between the two main phases of construction.

Why is the Washington Monument famous?

The Washington Monument is an obelisk within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army (1775–1784) in the American Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States (1789–1797).