Independence Day, 1848, saw the laying of the cornerstone for the Washington Monument
But the completion and dedication of the Monument wasn't until 1884. Why so long? Fifteen years of that history is covered in my book, Faith on the Mall. My three sibling characters each give accounts of Mall activity spanning 1848 to Emancipation Day, 1863.
My character Betsy goes to the elaborate 4th of July ceremony
Thousands attended, including the President and Vice-President, Congressmen, representatives of Indian tribal nations, and other dignitaries. Betsy comments:
"Of great interest to me were the contents of a box buried beneath the monument's foundation. The scores of items encompassed all aspects of our life, from the Bible to poetry to population numbers and maps. As well as our founding documents of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence."
Betsy moves to the line behind the dignitaries' chairs around the base. "Indian chiefs stood in their exotic and intriguing garb - all those marvelous feathers! And beautiful beads glinting in the sunlight. Their faces looked a bit grim though, and for a fleeting moment I wondered what they really thought about George Washington and the formation of this country."
150 feet got built before the funding dried up in 1854,
thanks to the Know Nothing Party's taking control.
That resulted in lack of both government and popular support. Then came the Civil War when life in Washington City changed dramatically in so many ways. While troops camped on the Mall, the grounds surrounding the monument base became a cow pasture and the base was a slaughterhouse.
Although the war ended in 1865, not until 1877 did construction resume.
Marble from a different quarry was used which caused the noticeable line in the obelisk.
The Monument was finally completed in 1884. it remains the only "monument" on the National Mall because Washington was alive when it began to be planned. All others on the Mall are "memorials."
And it remains the world's tallest stone structure at over 554 feet and the tallest building in the District of Columbia.
