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Washington Monument National MonumentWashington Monument
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George Washington

The Washington Monument is the most prominent structure in Washington, D.C. and one of the city's early attractions.  It was built in honor of George Washington, who led the country to independence and then became its first President. The Monument is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, stands 555’ 5 1/8” tall, and offers views in excess of thirty miles. It was finished on December 6, 1884.

 
 

Visiting the Washington Monument

Admission to the Washington Monument is FREE but requires a ticket. 
 
 
 

Write to

National Mall and Memorial Parks
900 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20024

Phone

Visitor Information
(202) 426-6841

Park Headquarters
(202) 485-9880

Climate

Washington has a temperate climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic U.S., with four distinct seasons. Summer tends to be very hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild. Winter can bring cold temperatures, frozen precipitation and, on occasions, major snowstorms.
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Brachyphyllum crassicarde fossil  

Did You Know?
During the Cretaceous Period, 120 million years ago, the Fort Foote property was swamp land, much different from today. Warm adapted plants such as Brachyphyllum crassicarde lived in this habitat (fossil photo to the right). As the climate began to change, this plant as well as many others died out.

Last Updated: January 21, 2009 at 11:41 EST