Washington Monument Facts For Kids
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The Washington Monument is one of the most iconic structures in the United States of America. Located in Washington D.C., the monument is a towering obelisk that honors George Washington, the first President of the United States. Here are some fun facts about the Washington Monument that kids will love:
1. The Washington Monument is the tallest structure in Washington D.C.
Standing at 555 feet and 5 inches tall, the Washington Monument is the tallest structure in the city. It was also the tallest structure in the world when it was completed in 1884, but it has since been surpassed by other buildings.
2. It was inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture
The design of the Washington Monument was inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture. The obelisk shape was commonly used in ancient Egypt, and it was chosen to honor George Washington because he was seen as a symbol of strength and endurance.
3. Construction of the Washington Monument took over 50 years
Construction of the Washington Monument began in 1848, but it was interrupted several times due to lack of funding and the Civil War. It wasn’t until 1884 that the monument was finally completed, over 50 years after work began.
4. There is a hidden room at the top of the Washington Monument
At the top of the Washington Monument, there is a small room that is hidden from public view. It was originally meant to hold a statue of George Washington, but it was never installed. Today, visitors can take a virtual tour of the hidden room from the monument’s website.
5. The Washington Monument is made of marble and granite
The Washington Monument is made of two different types of stone: marble and granite. The lower half of the monument is made of white marble from Maryland, while the upper half is made of granite from Massachusetts.
6. The Washington Monument is surrounded by 50 American flags
To honor the 50 states of the United States, the Washington Monument is surrounded by 50 American flags. The flags are flown every day from sunrise to sunset.
7. The Washington Monument was closed for several years for repairs
In 2011, the Washington Monument was damaged by an earthquake, and it was closed to the public for repairs. It wasn’t reopened until 2019, after extensive work was done to strengthen the structure and make it safer for visitors.
The Washington Monument is a beautiful and historic landmark that continues to inspire visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s always something new to learn about this iconic monument.