So You Want to Know What's Written at the Foot of the Washington Monument? Spoiler Alert: It's Not a Shopping List!
Ah, the Washington Monument. Towering titan of the National Mall, a beacon of freedom...and apparently, a source of burning curiosity about what's scribbled on the floor? Fear not, fellow history buff (or trivia night champion), because today we're taking a deep dive (not literally, there's no pool at the bottom) to uncover the truth about the inscription at the Washington Monument's base.
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| What Eulogy Statement Is Included At The Base Of The Washington Monument (inside) |
Hold Your Horses (or Segways): It's Not Actually Inside
Now, before you imagine Indiana Jones crawling through air vents to find a hidden presidential message, let's get one thing straight: there's no inscription inside the monument. It's all about that exterior real estate, baby! Head to the east face, the one that catches the glorious sunrise, and you'll find the words that have history buffs scratching their heads and tourists tilting their cameras.
Laus Deo? More Like "Huh?"
And those words, my friends, are...Laus Deo. Don't worry, you're not having a stroke and this isn't some secret code for the Freemasons (although, Washington was a Freemason, so that would be a pretty cool twist). Laus Deo is simply Latin for "Praise be to God."
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Wait, Why Latin? Did They Run Out of English?
Nope! The inclusion of Latin goes back to the whole "classical inspiration" thing. The Washington Monument, with its clean lines and towering height, was modeled after ancient obelisks. Apparently, those history buffs back in the day thought a little Latin would add a touch of sophistication (and maybe confuse some pesky pigeons).
So, That's It? No Epic Poem About Washington's Greatness?
Well, not exactly. There are actually other inscriptions on the monument, higher up, that commemorate different stages of construction and include the names of important figures. But for that grand, floor-level statement, it's all about the divine praise.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
Fun Fact: The cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid by a group of Freemasons, which adds another layer to the whole "mystery" surrounding the inscription.
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Frequently Asked Questions (Monument Edition!)
How to get to the Washington Monument? Easy! It's smack dab in the center of the National Mall in Washington D.C. Hop on the Metro, rent a bike, or just follow the crowds – you can't miss it!
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
How much does it cost to enter the Washington Monument? Good news! It's completely free to enter. Just grab your ticket (they're often timed) and prepare to be wowed by the views from the top.
How tall is the Washington Monument? This pointy giant stands at a whopping 555 feet and 5⅛ inches. That's taller than a football field!
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
How long did it take to build the Washington Monument? This project wasn't exactly a weekend DIY job. Construction started in 1848 and due to funding issues and the Civil War, wasn't finished until 1884. That's 36 years, folks!
How many steps are there to the top of the Washington Monument? If you're feeling ambitious (and have strong calves), you can climb the 893 steps to the top. But hey, there's always the elevator!
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