We should not look back
unless it is to derive useful
lessons from past errors
and for the purpose of profiting
by dearly bought experience.
...George Washington
Created to commemorate America's first president, the Washington Monument is fittingly the tallest structure in a city of icons. It is one of the most recognizable, as is the visage of George Washington himself depicted on every dollar ever spent.
It was special to be able to go up into the 555 foot granite, marble and bluestone gneiss obelisk. The slender, vertical, pointed form is a common style of monument. Historic obelisks exist in cities around the world in Egypt, France and St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. But Washington D.C.'s version, nearly 170-meters high, is the world's tallest accessible stone structure.
In the above collage, it shows the wonderful views from the four sides at the top of the monument...the White south lawn, the view of the WWII and Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson memorial and the Capitol Mall and US Capitol.
I have a much greater appreciation for all the monuments & memorials that I saw in Washington DC, plus the Smithsonian Museums. It was a great trip.
