February 21
WASHINGTON MONUMENT DAY
On this day in 1885, the official dedication of the Washington Monument took place in Washington, D.C., although the monument did not open for another three years. In fact, the structure took a total of thirty-six years to finish. Construction took place in two major phases, 1848-1856, and 1876-1884. The Civil War and a lack of funds caused the big delay. The stone obelisk honoring the first President of the United States was designed by Robert Mills who died in this, the year of the dedication.
A major visitor attraction, one can see the entire city of Washington D.C., plus parts of the surrounding states of Virginia and Maryland from the top of the 555-foot monument. If you visit the city when the cherry trees are in blossom, you will be treated to a spectacular view from ground level too, as images of the blossoms and monument shimmer in the rectangular pool facing the Washington Monument. Now, that’s something to reflect on...
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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