Why is the Washington Monument a symbol of the US?
After Washington’s death, the Washington Monument was built in Washington, D.C. to honor his vast contributions to America. It was opened to the public in 1888, and remains an important American symbol that allows people to honor and remember Washington.
What is the Washington Monument modeled after?
Egyptian obelisks
In Pierre L’Enfant’s original plan for DC, space was reserved on the National Mall for a colossal monument to honor George Washington. Designed by Robert Mill decades later, the Washington Monument is modeled after Egyptian obelisks to embody the timeliness of ancient civilizations and the awe inspired by Washington.
What does the monument stand for?
The monument, like the man, stands in no one’s shadow. Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father.
What’s inside the Washington Monument?
Inside the ground floor lobby, there is a statue of George Washington. The interior walls are lined with commemorative stones from individuals, civic groups, cities, states, and countries that wanted to honor the memory of George Washington; some of these stones are visible on the elevator descent trip.
Who created Washington Monument?
Robert Mills
Thomas Lincoln Casey Sr.
Washington Monument/Architects
The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation’s capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884).
What is the symbolic meaning of an obelisk?
For Egyptians, the obelisk was a reverential monument, commemorating the dead, representing their kings, and honoring their gods. These monuments were representational in both structure and arrangement, serving as monuments with a complete structure of understanding.