The Washington Monument is a landmark obelisk located in Washington, D.C., United States. It was built to commemorate George Washington, the first President of the United States and a key figure in the country's independence from Great Britain. The monument stands at 555 feet 5 1/8 inches tall, making it the tallest obelisk in the world and one of the tallest stone structures in the world.
Construction on the monument began in 1848, but was temporarily halted due to lack of funds and the outbreak of the American Civil War. It was finally completed in 1884, more than three decades after work first began. The monument is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss and was designed in the neoclassical style.
Visitors to the Washington Monument can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city, or climb the 897 steps to the top for a more strenuous experience. The monument is surrounded by the National Mall and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the United States and a symbol of the country's history and strength.