So You Wanna Know How Tall We're Talking About? The Washington Monument's not-so-short Story
Hey there, history buffs and trivia titans! Ever wondered just how high George Washington's spirit reaches? Well, you've stumbled upon the right neck of the woods (or should we say, the right obelisk?) to find out. Today, we're diving deep (well, not that deep, it's a monument, not a submarine) into the fascinating world of the Washington Monument's height.
Taller Than Your Average Tree, But Definitely Not a Beanstalk
The Washington Monument stands at a whopping 555 feet and 5⅛ inches (or 169.294 meters for our metric system friends). That's pretty darn tall, folks. To put it in perspective:
- It's taller than 18 giraffes stacked on top of each other (although that would be a logistical nightmare for sure).
- If you tried to climb it with an average staircase step (around 7 inches), you'd need roughly 9,360 steps. Good luck with that workout!
- The Statue of Liberty (without her pedestal) would only reach about halfway up the Washington Monument.
A Monumental Mix-Up: The Great Height Caper (Not Really a Caper)
Fun fact: Up until 2014, the official height was listed as 555 feet and 5⅛ inches. But then, someone (probably a very detail-oriented engineer) decided to use international standards for measurement. Turns out, those extra eighths of an inch don't quite translate perfectly. So, the new and improved height is 555 feet and ½ inch. Not a huge difference, but hey, every inch counts, right?
So You've Got the Height Down, But How Do You Actually See This Thing?
If you're ever in Washington D.C. and want to marvel at the Washington Monument in all its glory, here are a few tips:
- Public transportation is your best bet. Metro stops like Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery are nearby.
- Tickets are free to enter the monument, but there might be a wait, so plan accordingly.
- Wear comfy shoes – there's a lot of walking (and potentially some waiting) involved.
- Pro tip: If you're feeling peckish, pack some snacks. Food options around the monument can be limited.
Frequently Asked Monumental Inquiries:
How to get to the Washington Monument? Check out the National Park Service website for directions and transportation options https://www.nps.gov/wamo/.
How much does it cost to enter the Washington Monument? Good news! It's free. But there might be a wait to get in, so be patient.
How long does it take to tour the Washington Monument? The elevator ride to the top is pretty quick, but factor in waiting times and you might be spending 30 minutes to an hour there.
How many steps are there to the top of the Washington Monument? Don't even think about it! The monument is only accessible by elevator.
How tall is the Washington Monument compared to other famous landmarks? It's taller than the Statue of Liberty (without the pedestal) but shorter than the Eiffel Tower. So there you have it, folks! The Washington Monument: a towering tribute to our first president, and a darn impressive piece of history. Now you can go forth and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of its monumental height.