Build Your Own Washington Monument

Aerial view of the monument taken from US Park Police helicopter.

After printing the Build Your Own Washington Monument (pdf) activity sheet, follow the instructions below. For best results print on one side of the page only not both sides of page.

Instructions:

• Step 1: Cut along the outside outline including the dashed tabs
• Step 2: Fold the pyramidian (tip) so that the triangular ends form a peak. Use the tab to tape or glue the top together.
• Step 3: Fold along each wall.
• Step 4: Tape or glue the large tab to the outside of the West wall.
• Step 5: Tape or glue your completed monument on the site plane (base) found on the next page using the tabs.

Rappelling assessment of the monument, Washington Monument, 2011

NPS

Washington Monument Grounds, National Mall & Memorial Parks. Work on the monument was completed in two phases: 1848 to 1854, and 1879 to 1884. It is constructed of white marble ashlar blocks backed by blue gneiss. The obelisk stands at 555 feet, 5 1/8 inches high with an 8.9-inch aluminum cap positioned at the top. When completed in 1884 this monument was the tallest building in the world.

The Washington Monument was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), the Federal Government's oldest Preservation Program, with measured drawings and photographs in 1994. Search for your favorite historic site in the nation's largest archive of historical architectural, engineering, and landscape documentation in the HABS/HAER/HALS Collection at in the Library of Congress.

The pattern and lengths of many of the stones on each side of the obelisk change.

Discover more:

• Washington Monument
• National Mall and Memorial Parks
• Heritage Documentation Programs (HABS/HAER/HALS)