That There Pointy Thing in D.C.: How Tall Is It Really?
You're staring up at a giant white needle that seems to pierce the sky. Binoculars fail you, your neck aches, and you're starting to wonder - just how tall is this monument, anyway?
Well, settle in, grab a virtual cup of tea (or something stronger if you've been craning your neck for a while), because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of obelisk height!
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| How Tall Is The Obelisk In Washington Dc |
Not Your Average Pencil Sharpener: The Washington Monument by the Numbers
This pointy fellow gracing the National Mall in Washington D.C. isn't just any old pointy thing. It's the world's tallest obelisk (fancy word for a pillar that tapers to a point at the top), clocking in at a whopping 554 feet and 7 11/32 inches (or 169.046 meters for our metric friends). That's taller than a whole lotta stuff, including:
- 18 giraffes stacked on top of each other (though that would be a very wobbly monument)
- 42 school buses lined up end to end (hopefully with the engines off)
- The Empire State Building... if it were lying on its side (which would be a logistical nightmare)
Fun Fact: The Washington Monument used to hold the title of world's tallest structure, but the Eiffel Tower swooped in and stole the show in 1889. Still a pretty impressive feat for a stone structure, wouldn't you say?
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
How'd They Even Build That Thing?
Building something that tall in the 1800s was no small feat (pun intended). Construction took a whopping 36 years, with some delays thanks to a little thing called the Civil War getting in the way. But they persevered, and voila! A giant, pointy tribute to George Washington.
So You Want to Measure a Monument Yourself?
Maybe you're feeling inspired and want to measure some towering structures in your own neighborhood. Here are a few tips (but maybe don't try this with the Washington Monument):
- Befriend a pilot: They have a pretty good view from up there.
- Get a LOT of string: Just be careful not to trip yourself (or anyone else).
- Use a really, really tall ladder: Safety first, folks! (Unless you're a superhero, then maybe you can scale the building directly.)
Frequently Asked Obelisk-related Questions:
How to get to the top of the Washington Monument?
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There's an elevator! No death-defying climbs necessary (although there are stairs if you're feeling energetic).
How much does the Washington Monument weigh?
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A cool 90,854 tons. That's a lot of rock!
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
How long did it take to build the Washington Monument?
36 years, with some interruptions (see: Civil War).
What's the pointy bit on top called?
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The pointy bit is called the pyramidion. Fancy, right?
Is the Washington Monument made of solid stone?
Nope! It's actually hollow inside. But the walls are still super thick, especially at the base.
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