If you are living in the United States or just
simply visiting it, a place that an absolute must go to is the country's very
own Capitol. Washington D.C. This fascinating place is home for the one and
only Washington Monument. Stated in its name, this monument is dedicated to the
one and only George Washington, one of the Founding Fathers of The United
Stated of America. This monument is the world's tallest structure standing that
is made up of marble, granite, and bluestone gnesis; it is the world's only structure
to be purely made of stone and is a true obelisk. It stands at a height of
about 555 feet, I really want to go see this monument and compare myself
standing right next to it to see how many of me's can fit going up the tower.
This monument like I stated before is made in honor
of the first leader of the United States, George Washington. He is to this day,
the most publicly iconic person in US history. Even during his time period,
many, many, many people admire his bravery, leadership, and characteristics. I
too am a big fan of George Washington and for the longest time, I wanted to be
like him until I found out I am public shy and cannot voice myself in public
speaking. That's when I gave up my dream of being a leader.
At the end of the 18th Century, many Americans
wanted to build a monument for the first President of America. But at the time,
The Federalist Party lost its ground and the Jefferson party took power which
ended all proposals of making a monument since technically Washington was a
political enemy of Jefferson. The idea of building a memorial finally started
up again in 1832 which coincidently was also the 100th anniversary of
Washington's birth. Some loyal and dedicated American people formed a group and
raised fundraisers to help complete the memorial. Robert Mills was the winner
of a monument sketch contest held by the very same group who fundraised for the
structure. I, myself really liked looking at this sketch of it because it is a
lot more then what we have today. This drawing includes some Greek pillars and
foundation but the one we have now doesn’t. I think it would have looked better
with those pillars at the bottom of the memorial.
Progress on building the monument began in 1848 with
the excavation for the foundation. Until 1854, constructing the monument was no
problem, but funding was coming short and so construction has stopped
completely. Little by little the memorial was worked on after funds from most
of the states came rolling in. The practice of having state pay for building
was approved because this way, the people felt like they all had a part in
building this monument. The monument was opened to the public on October 9th,
1888. Over time the government slowly upgraded and added on to the monument to
attract even more tourist to come see it. It was until recently the surrounding
areas and the actual memorial was completely renovated. Someday I wish to see
this marble obelisk with my own two eyes because I always hear great feedbacks
from friends who went to DC and actually been to the Monument.
