The Washington Monument: Built to Outlast Your Ex's Grudge (Probably)
Ah, the Washington Monument. Soaring majestically over the National Mall, it's a symbol of American resilience, presidential noses, and... how long will that thing actually last?
Granite Grandeur, But is it Granite Guaranteed?
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The Washington Monument is a tough cookie. Built from marble, granite, and bluestone, it's weathered over 130 years of tourists, pigeons, and the occasional rogue frisbee. Fun Fact: During construction, the type of stone actually changed halfway up, which is why there's a visible color difference – kind of like a superhero changing costumes mid-fight.
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Earthquake Escapades and Repair Revelations
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Now, things weren't always smooth sailing. A nasty earthquake in 2011 cracked the monument like a fortune cookie with a particularly ominous message. But fear not, history buffs! The National Park Service, those tireless monument menders, swooped in with repairs and reinforcements.
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So, how long can we expect this pointy tribute to George Washington to grace the D.C. skyline? Well, experts say with proper care (and maybe dodging any future rogue meteors), the Washington Monument could stand for centuries to come. That's a lot longer than your average celebrity marriage!
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You're Curious)
- How to climb the Washington Monument? Channel your inner spider-man and practice your wall-crawling skills. (Just kidding! Reserve a ticket in advance – they're free, but they go fast!)
- How to get to the Washington Monument? Walking, biking, or metro-ing are all excellent options. Bonus points for arriving on a unicycle.
- How much does it cost to see the Washington Monument? Nada! It's free to visit, just like George Washington's wisdom (which, let's face it, was probably priceless).
- How tall is the Washington Monument? A whopping 555 feet, making it the tallest obelisk... well, ever!
- How many steps are there in the Washington Monument? 893 steps, if you're feeling particularly ambitious (or have misplaced your elevator pass).
So there you have it! The Washington Monument, a beacon of American history standing tall for generations to come. Now get out there and see it for yourself – just maybe avoid bringing any rogue frisbees.