This 555-foot iconic symbol of Washington, D.C. that is the tallest obelisk in the world was dedicated to the first president of the United States and designed by architect Robert Mills. Washington Monument's construction began in 1848 and ended in 1884 with a recess from 1854-77 due to several issues including the United States Civil War. Its inside contains 193 commemorative stones given to the U.S. government to honor George Washington from governments and private organizations from around the world. The monument closed for repairs needed after both the 2011 Virginia earthquake and the subsequent Hurricane Irene.
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