To truly experience our Nation's Capital, you must see it from the tallest structure in Washington, DC. The Washington Monument rises 555 feet above the National Mall and offers the best view of the city. The Washington Monument was erected to honor the greatness of the city of President George Washington. The first cornerstone was placed on July 4, 1843, and was finally completed on December 6, 1884. The obelisk design was Mills' interpretation of city designer Pierre L'Enfant's centerpiece for the capital city. Fifty flags surround the base of the Monument, one to symbolize each state in the Union. Hours of operation are 9:00 am to 4:45 pm daily. It is free to get in, but you do need to get free tickets to reserve a time.
Location: 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW 
Metro: Federal Triangle (BLUE and ORANGE Lines) and Smithsonian (BLUE and ORANGE Lines) 
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 Setting the cap stone on the Washington Monument Dec. 20, 1884 Harper's Weekly illustration by S.H. Nealy. 
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 Setting the Capstone * Setting Washington Monument capstone in December 6, 1884 
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 Entrance to the monument * 
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 Currier Ives - National Washington Monument - Visitors 
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 National Washington Monument Currier Ives 
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 Washington Monument 1911 Photo Plate * This photo shows a view of Washington Monument from Tiber marsh. 
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 The Washington Monument 1886 Plate 
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 West View of the Washington Monument The seasons in Washington change, but the monument remains resolute. 
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 Aerial View of the Washington Monument. * 
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 Washington Monument Commemoration Plaque Donated by the National Society of Professional Engineers. 
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 Southeast view of Washington Monument 
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 Surveyor Surveyor looking at the cracks in the Washington Monument from the 2011 earthquake. 
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