Washington Monument, Washington DC

There's A First Time For Everything!

30 years ago I started my flying career based in Washington DC. I spent 6 months there before transferring back to my home in Denver and I did many touristy things around the capital, but I never went up the Washington Monument.  And having been based in London for almost 24 years I've done MANY Washington trips but today was the FIRST time to ascend one of the most iconic symbols of our nation's capital!  

I went down to the National Mall late morning hoping to get a few snow pictures before it all melted after the big storm last weekend. Although the main roads were clear, many side roads weren't, and getting around the city was a challenge for everyone. Most schools are still closed and many people haven't made it to work. So the  National Mall was like a ghost town. There was one big (brave) school group visiting but otherwise I got straight in. It's always been the crowds and long lines which have discouraged me from visiting.

The Washington Monument, a 555 ft marble obelisk, honours the first President of the US.  Construction started in 1848 and was finally completed in 1888. Funds were initially by private donations but when those ran out in 1854 construction halted for 23 years. Finally the government took over and finished it. When the building work recommenced they had to source the stone from another quarry  which is why the colour changes as you look up the memorial. The change in colour has been accentuated over time.

Access to the top is via a lift, but if one had to use the stairs there are over 800 - equivalent to ascending a 50-story building. When it was built it was the tallest structure in the world (555 ft high) and is still the tallest structure made of stone and the highest obelisk. Circling the monument are 50 US flags representing the 50 states.  These flags are flown 24 hours a day. 

There were beautiful views from the top. See the collage in Extra photos.

Top Left - looking East to the Capital Building (with the dome covered with scaffolding)
Top Right - looking South to the Jefferson Memorial, the Tidal Basin and Washington's National Airport
Bottom Right - looking North to the White House
Bottom Left - looking West to the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the WW2 Memorial