Washington Monument
- Washington, DC
photo: Carol M. Highsmith
Why go there?
The Washington Monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. It was built to commemorate George Washington, who was instrumental in leading the country to independence and served as its first president. The monument is made of marble, granite and bluestone gneiss, and it stands 555 feet tall, making it the tallest stone structure in the world and the tallest obelisk. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument for panoramic views of Washington, D.C.
