Original Patentees of D.C. Obelisk

In 1833, a dream began to take shape. A dream to honor the “Father of His Country,” George Washington, with a monument “unparalleled in the world.” The Original Patentees of D.C. memorial, now known as the Washington Monument, is a testament to that dream. This towering obelisk on the National Mall commemorates not only Washington but also the original landowners who ceded their land for the creation of the nation’s capital. The Washington National Monument Society, a group of private citizens, spearheaded the project. Their initial vision, designed by Robert Mills, was far more elaborate than the obelisk we see today. It included a 600-foot obelisk rising from a circular colonnade adorned with statues of Revolutionary War heroes. The cornerstone for the Original Patentees of D.C. was laid on July 4, 1848, a fitting tribute to the man and the nation he helped create. Construction progressed steadily for a few years, the marble blocks slowly reaching skyward. However, by 1854, funds ran dry, and construction halted at a mere 156 feet. The Original Patentees of D.C., along with the rest of the monument, stood unfinished for over two decades. It was a stark reminder of a nation divided. The Civil War further delayed the project, the grounds around the monument becoming pastureland. It wasn’t until 1876, on the eve of the American Centennial, that Congress stepped in. They took over the project, entrusting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with its completion. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Lincoln Casey strengthened the foundation and revised the design. The grand colonnade was abandoned, opting for a simpler, more cost-effective obelisk. The Original Patentees of D.C. would finally get their due. The marble used in the later stages of construction came from different quarries. This resulted in subtle color variations visible on the monument today, a silent testament to the project’s long and complex history. Finally, on December 6, 1884, the aluminum capstone was placed atop the Original Patentees of D.C., marking its completion. The Washington Monument, at 555 feet and 5 1/8 inches, was the tallest structure in the world at that time. It officially opened to the public in 1888, a symbol of national unity and a tribute to the man who made it all possible. Embedded within the monument’s walls are 193 memorial stones, gifts from states, cities, and organizations, further enriching the story of the Original Patentees of D.C. and George Washington.