Why did the Washington Monument crack?

Why did the Washington Monument crack? Inspections found a crack at the top of the monument, a park service spokesman said. The earthquake didn't cause widespread damages or injuries, but it did put a crack in the Washington Monument.

What are 5 facts about the Washington Monument?

Is there a pyramid on the top of the Washington Monument?

On a breezy December 6, 1884, the 36-year construction of the Washington Monument was completed with the placing of an 8.9 inch tall, 100-ounce pyramid of solid aluminum atop the capstone.

Why is Washington Monument 2 colors?

The two sections closely resembled each other at first, but time, wind, rain, and erosion have caused the marble sections to weather differently, thereby producing the difference in color. A third type of marble is also visible at the dividing line between the two main phases of construction.

How was the Washington Monument built without mortar?

The Monument is an engineering marvel. The Washington Post recently pointed out an interesting fact in an on-going debate about the Monument as the world's tallest free-standing masonry structure. The Monument's marble blocks are held together by just gravity and friction, and no mortar was used in the process.

What caused the crack in the Washington Monument?

At 1:51 p.m. on August 23, 2011, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck 90 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. Visitors inside the Washington Monument's observation deck were thrown about by the force of the shaking; falling mortar and pieces of stone caused minor injuries, though all the people inside exited safely.

Why is the Washington Monument an obelisk?

The Washington Monument Looks Like an Obelisk Because of Egyptomania. In a technical sense, the Washington Monument isn't an obelisk, because it isn't made from a single piece of stone. That fact makes it no less impressive. Stretching 555 feet in the air, the Washington Monument is the tallest thing in the city.

Is it illegal to swim at the Washington Monument?

Facing increased criticism from black leaders and concerns that the water was polluted, Congress voted to ban swimming in the Tidal Basin in 1925. Swimming has never been allowed in the Reflecting Pool, but there were segregated, whites-only swimming pools near the Washington Monument during the late 1920s.

What stopped the construction of the Washington Monument?

Construction of the Washington Monument began in 1848 with enslaved Africans as laborers, according to several sources. Construction stopped in 1854 due to lack of funds, and then resumed from 1877 until its completion in 1888.

What is the tallest monument in the United States?

As the nation's tallest monument, the Gateway Arch has welcomed visitors for more than fifty years with its iconic, awe-inspiring shape. The vision of renowned architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson's vision and St. Louis' role in the westward expansion of the United States.

Why was the Washington Monument never finished?

However, after Washington became president, he scrapped the plans for his memorial, as federal government funds were tight and he didn't want to use public money for the project.

What is at the bottom of the Washington Monument?

The monument's present foundation is 37 feet (11.3 m) thick, consisting of half of its original bluestone gneiss rubble encased in concrete. At the northeast corner of the foundation, 21 feet (6.4 m) below ground, is the marble cornerstone, including a zinc case filled with memorabilia.

Do earthquakes happen in DC?

Although earthquakes are not frequent in the District of Columbia, it is still possible to experience an earthquake. The District of Columbia can also experience shaking from earthquakes occurring in nearby areas.

What does the obelisk symbolize?

Scholars believe that obelisks represented eternity and immortality, and their long, tapering form functioned to connect the heavens and the earth. Their pinnacles were typically covered in gold to reflect the sunlight.