washington monument

The Washington Monument, located in the National Mall area, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Washington, DC. It was built to commemorate the first US President, George Washington. The monument is the tallest stone structure and the tallest obelisk in the world, standing at around 556 feet (close to 170 m). It is also the tallest structure in Washington, DC (there is a city ordinance in Washington, DC, that does not permit a building to be taller than 110 feet). Upon completion it was the tallest structure in the world, until the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France was completed in 1889.

I have never been inside or taking the elevator up the Washington Monument, but like other people living in Washington, DC, area, I have walked the grounds of the monument many times. During the summer months, the grassy area around the monument is used by locals for playing sports or to hold events/festivals. It is also located centrally when you’re walking around the National Mall area to visit many of the monuments and other buildings around, so there are usually good number of people walking around there.

The photo below was taken on a cloudy day in the spring time. You can see the tall monument with some flag poles around and visitors at the base for scale comparison.

The National Mall in Washington, DC, is an open-area park right at the heart of city. This area is among the most popular places to visit in Washington, DC, particularly because there are many monuments located here and its proximity to landmarks like the White House, the US Capitol, and the Smithsonian Institute Museums. During the weekends (and summer evenings) this area is also popular among locals who go there to play sports, or simply go for a jog or a walk. On the west end of the National Mall you find the Lincoln Memorial. On the east end you find the US Capitol, and roughly in the middle you find the Washington Monument. It’s about 1.9 miles to go from one end to the other.

I live in the suburb of Washington, DC, so I don’t go to the downtown area on daily basis. But often times I would go there during the weekends especially either to visit one of the museums or if there is a special event (festivals, charity walks). The National Mall is pretty nice (and safe) to visit at night as well. You can see the Washington Monument and some of the memorials lighted up. During special days like Memorial Day or Fourth of July (or presidential inauguration), the whole area could be packed with people coming to attend concerts, fireworks, etc.

The photo below was taken from the steps of Lincoln Memorial. You can see the Reflection Pool, the Washington Monument, and the US Capitol in the distance.