The Washington Monument: Tribute in Stone

(Library of Congress) I t rises tall and brilliant, its whiteness emphasized by the green grass and colorful flags that surround it. It stands at the heart of Washington, D.C., near the center of a cross formed by four of America's most famous buildings: the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and the Jefferson Memorial. But appearance and location are not the only reasons that the Washington Monument is one of the country's most recognizable structures. Its prominence comes also because it commemorates George Washington, who remains one of the country's most admired leaders more than two centuries after his death. The history of the monument reflects his contributions to the development of the United States and shows how Americans have debated the best way to honor important citizens.

TABLE OF CONTENTS About This Lesson Getting Started: Inquiry Question Setting the Stage: Historical Context Locating the Site: Maps 1. The L'Enfant Plan for Washington Determining the Facts: Readings 1. Washington and the Early Republic 2. Samuel Blodgett's Broadside 3. Construction of the Monument 4. Finishing the Monument Visual Evidence: Images 1. Robert Mills's Design for the Washington Monument 2. The Washington Monument 3. The Washington Monument During the Civil War 4. Alternative Designs for the Washington Monument Putting It All Together: Activities 1. Qualities of a Leader 2. Designing a Monument 3. Local Memorial Study Supplementary Resources

RELATED INFORMATION How to Use a TwHP Lesson Lessons on Related Topics TwHP Home National Register Home About the National Register How the National Register Helps Teachers Contact TwHP Washington Monument This lesson is based on the Washington Monument, one of the thousands of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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