Essay about The Washington Monument - 4283 Words

The Washington Monument The Washington Monument, a memorial structure designed and constructed in the nineteenth century, signifies an important tribute to the prestigious role and achievements of our nation’s founding father. Ideas for such a monument first arose in 1783, by which time â€Å"the fame George Washington, Commanding General and first President of the United States, was assured in the pantheon of statesmen of the world† (1). It was during this year that the Continental Congress proposed an â€Å"equestrian statue† in honor of â€Å"Washington’s services and his unique role in the founding of the new Republic† (1). Despite the project’s popularity with the public, however, little action was taken following†¦show more content†¦Despite the difficulties that were faced during both the planning and construction of the Washington Monument, the impressive tributary obelisk still stands today as one of the nation’s â€Å"noblest architectural structures† (1). Prior to beginning construction in 1848, the government spent nearly seventy years in legislation. Shortly after it was decided in 1783 that an â€Å"equestrian statue† should be erected in honor of George Washington, a French landscape engineer by the name of Major Charles Pierre L’Enfant drew up the first plan for Washington’s future capital, including the statue as â€Å"one of the principal features of the Federal District† (1). The idea resurfaced after the death of George Washington in December of 1799, when a proposal made by U.S. Representative John Marshall suggested the erection of a marble monument under which the founder’s body would be deposited. But Congress could take no immediate action due to conflicting opinions in both the House and Senate and with Washington’s family members: when the House â€Å"appropriated $200, 000 for the construction of †¦ [a] ‘mausoleum of American granite and marble, in pyra midal form 100 feet square at the base and of proportionate height’† (1), the grant was opposed by the Senate and family members (who did not want to move the remains from the site where Washington had specifically asked they be placed). â€Å"Throughout the Nation there was a deep sense of disappointment over theShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Washington Monument991 Words   |  4 PagesThe Washington Monument The most stunning monument in our capital is the Washington Monument. At 555 feet high, it is the tallest such monument in the world. It is an obelisk by shape, yet not a true obelisk because it is not carved out of a single stone. The monument was built at intervals between 1848 and 1885. It memorializes George Washingtons achievements and his devotion to principles and to his country. The Washington Monument has an interesting history. The idea of a monument celebratingRead MoreThe Statue Of Liberty, The Washington Monument901 Words   |  4 Pages Monuments preserve a memory that serves as a reminder of a significant event or person. The Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument, Bunker Hill Monument— these structures honor and immortalize remarkable occurrences in history, people, or concepts; and when it is time to construct a monument, many aspects of the established memorial need to be planned. Factors a group or agency should consider when memorializing an event or person and in creating a monument is the location, which should be inRead MoreDescriptive Essay On Lost And Found986 Words   |  4 Pagesexperienced once before. One of the most stressful times I have ever been a part of is when I lost my wallet in Washington D.C. 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