National Mall and Washington Monument

For someone who loves monuments, there is one city in the United States that stands above all others: Washington, D.C. Across this carefully designed landscape stand some of the nation’s most significant memorials, each telling part of the American story.

One of the most striking views in the city is standing along the National Mall with the Washington Monument rising in the distance. From this vantage point, the design of the capital becomes clear. Long open lawns stretch toward the sky piercing obelisk, framed by museum, memorials and trees.

The Washington Monument honors Geroge Washington, the commander of the Continental Army and the nation’s first president. Construction of the monument began in 1848, but the project faced years of delays caused by political disputes and the Civil War. Work stopped for more than two decades before finally resuming and the monument was completed in 1884.

Inspired by ancient Egyptian obelisks, the monument rises 555 feet above the Mall. When it was completed, it was the tallest structure in the world. Built primarily of marble, granite and bluestone, the monument’s clean lines and towering height symbolize strength, permanence and national unity.

This entire landscape is part of the National Park Service called the National Mall and Memorial Parks, one of the most visited units of the National Park System. Here the National Park preserves the monuments and memorials of our nation’s history.