Star-Spangled Banner Byway
Washington Monument, MD

The Washington Monument was erected in honor of the nation's first president, George Washington. Made of Maryland marble, it rises 555' 5 1/8" and is the tallest freestanding stone structure in the world. In 1833, the Washington National Monument Society undertook fund raising to select a design and build the monument. Work began in 1848, but construction was delayed due to financial setbacks. The monument was finished in 1885 and opened to the public in 1888. The original elevator was a steam hoist and was used until 1901 when an electric elevator replaced it.

The commemorative stones in the Washington Monument stairwell are donations from every state in the Union, private organizations, civic groups, Native American nations, and foreign countries. Each stone is unique in its composition and design, but were all donated to Washington’s memory and his contributions to America’s democracy and freedom. When the restoration is complete, visitors will be able to see the unique stones through windows in the new elevator.

The monument’s normal non-summer visiting hours are from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm. Free, timed tickets are available and distributed for a day's visit on a first-come, first served basis, from the kiosk on the Washington Monument grounds at 15th Street and Madison Drive. Hours for the ticket kiosk are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Reservations may be made by calling the National Park Reservation, or by contacting them on the Internet.