Visiting America without exploring its iconic symbols would be incomplete. Every building in this country carries its own unique story, but some structures stand out as true symbols of the nation—like the Washington Monument.
History and Construction
Once considered the tallest monument in the world, this structure stands at 169.35 meters. It was designed in the 1840s by architect Robert Mills as a tribute to the country’s founder, George Washington, and is modeled after Egyptian obelisks.
Construction began in 1844 but was halted six years later. After a long hiatus, the project was completed in 1885, with its official opening taking place on October 9, 1888.
A Former Global Record Holder
When completed, this marble-clad obelisk was the tallest structure in the world. It surpassed the Cologne Cathedral to claim this title, holding the record until the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889.
Global Contributions and the Ottoman Connection
During the monument’s construction, 193 commemorative stones from around the world were placed inside its walls. Among them is an inscription in Ottoman Turkish, placed in 1854 as a symbol of friendship between the United States and the Ottoman Empire. The stone features a verse by Zivar Efendi.
It remains the tallest structure in Washington, D.C.
