Views of the Washington Monument

The Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. was built to honor George Washington, first President of the United States.

On August 23, 2011, the Monument was damaged by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake with epicenter about 100 miles southwest in neighboring Virginia, followed within days by Hurricane Irene. Thirty-two months of restoration began in 2012; the Monument was reopened to visitors on May 12, 2014.

The Washington Monument is surrounded by a large circle of 50 American flags, representing the 50 states, that are flown 24 hours a day.

Flags at the Washington Monument

The United States flag in front of the Washington Monument

The following three photos show views of the Washington Monument as seen from the World War II Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, and the southern peristyle of the Lincoln Memorial.

The following photo was taken straight up from the base of the Monument. This obelisk towers approximately 555 feet above ground, 595 feet above sea level. The Washington Monument is the tallest building in Washington, D.C., as well as the tallest stone structure in the world.

Finally, the following photo shows cherry blossoms beginning to emerge on the grassy knoll from which the Monument rises.

These photos were all taken on March 17, 2016.