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Washington Monument National MonumentWashington Monument
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George Washington

The Washington Monument is the most prominent structure in Washington, D.C. and one of the city's early attractions. It was built in honor of George Washington, who led the country to independence and then became its first President. The Monument is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, stands 555’ 5 1/8” tall, and offers views in excess of thirty miles. It was finished on December 6, 1884.

 
 

Visiting the Washington Monument

Admission to the Washington Monument is FREE but requires a ticket. 
 
 
 

Write to

National Mall and Memorial Parks
900 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20024

Phone

Visitor Information
(202) 426-6841

Park Headquarters
(202) 485-9880

Climate

Washington has a temperate climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic U.S., with four distinct seasons. Summer tends to be very hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild. Winter can bring cold temperatures, frozen precipitation and, on occasions, major snowstorms.
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Zachary Taylor, 12th President: 1849-1850  

Did You Know?
Taylor was the second president to die in office. He spent July 4, 1850, at a ceremony at the Washington Monument. Taylor became ill from the heat and died five days later of intestinal ailments. Recently, his body was exhumed because some believed he was poisoned, but this was proved to be false.

Last Updated: November 05, 2009 at 12:11 EST