Washington Monument

George Washington (1732-1799) was the first President of the United States serving from 1789 to 1797. He originally gained fame during the French and Indian War, where his bravery and leadership were widely recognized. Washington was also involved in the political sphere, playing a significant role in the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His leadership during the American Revolution as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army was crucial in securing American independence.

During his presidency, he established many foundational practices and institutions—one such example is creating the first executive departments, including the Departments of State, Treasury, and War. Washington's administration also saw the establishment of the federal judiciary system through the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created the Supreme Court and lower federal courts. His foreign policy aimed to keep the United States at peace and avoid entanglement in European conflicts, which was articulated in his Farewell Address.

Washington's presidency set many precedents, including the tradition of a two-term limit, which was later codified in the 22nd Amendment. He was also one of twelve U.S. presidents to own enslaved people and one of only eight to enslave people while in office.

The Washington Monument pays homage to his legacy and is an iconic symbol of Washington, D.C. Standing at over 555 feet, it is the tallest stone structure and obelisk in the world!

Construction began on the Washington Monument in 1848 but was halted in 1854 due to funding issues and resumed in 1879, with the capstone set in 1884. The Monument was dedicated on February 21, 1885, and opened to the public on October 9, 1888. Inside, there are 193 commemorative stones from various contributors, and an elevator provides access to the five hundred-foot observation deck. The Monument has been managed by the National Park Service since 1933.