The Washington Monument National Memorial, designed by architect Robert Mills, is situated at the western end of the National Mall, and erected by authority of Congress to honor and perpetuate the memory of George Washington, first President of the United States. Constructed in the form of a hollow shaft or obelisk, it is 555 ft. 5 1/8 in. high and weighs 81,120 tons. The outer walls, which are 15 ft. thick at the base and 18 in. thick at the top, are faced with white marble from Maryland; the apex is formed by a capstone of pure aluminum. Set into the inner walls are 188 inscribed stones contributed by the various States, and by individuals, organizations, and foreign countries. At the 500-ft. level, which may be reached by elevator or by a stairway of 898 steps, there is an observation room with two windows on each of the four sides. This vantage point affords an excellent view of the city and surrounding countryside.

In 1832 a private organization known as the Washington National Monument Society was formed to raise funds for a suitable memorial to George Washington. Congress authorized the Society to begin construction in 1848 and on July 4 of that year the cornerstone was laid with the same trowel used by President Washington in 1793 to lay the cornerstone of the Capitol. Political wrangling and the Civil War delayed construction for many years; the monument was finally completed by the U.S. government in 1884 at at total cost of approximately $1,200,000. The official dedication took place on February 21, 1885, and the monument was opened to the public three years later.