The Washington Monument is one of the most prominent and recognizable structures in the United States, serving as a tribute to George Washington, the country’s first president and a key figure in the American Revolutionary War.

Constructed of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, the Washington Monument is fashioned in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, soaring approximately 555 feet (169 meters) into the sky. It is the world’s tallest obelisk and stone structure, and it was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time of its completion.

The construction of the monument began in 1848, but due to political turmoil, a lack of funds, and the Civil War, the construction was not completed until December 6, 1884. The capstone was set on December 6, 1884, and the monument officially opened to the public on October 9, 1888.

The structure has an interior hollow shaft lined with commemorative stones donated by various states, societies, countries, and individuals. Visitors can ascend to the top of the monument via an elevator to enjoy panoramic views of Washington, D.C., including sights such as the Capitol, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial, along with the Reflecting Pool and the National Mall.

The Washington Monument has undergone several renovations and restorations to repair damage from weathering and occasional seismic activity, ensuring that it remains a symbol of the nation’s respect for its first president and the ideals he represented: leadership, integrity, and dedication to country.