That Pointy Thing in D.C.: It's Not a Giant Pencil (Thank Goodness)
Ever looked at a picture of Washington D.C. and wondered, "What's that giant needle sticking out of the ground?" Well, my friend, that's not a misplaced sewing implement from a celestial tailor, but rather a monument of majestic proportions: the Washington Monument.
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| What is The Washington Monument An Obelisk |
A History Lesson, Light on the Dates (We Won't Quiz You)
This pointy fellow was built way back when (like, 1884 way back when) to honor the one and only George Washington, America's first president and all-around awesome dude (seriously, the man couldn't tell a lie). But why an obelisk, you ask?
Well, obelisks are these tall, four-sided pillars that the ancient Egyptians loved to build. They were seen as symbols of the sun god Ra, and apparently, the builders of the Washington Monument figured a little sunshine homage wouldn't hurt.
Not Your Average Pencil Sharpener Project
Building this bad boy wasn't exactly a weekend DIY project. It took almost 40 years to complete, thanks to a little thing called the Civil War getting in the way. Fun fact: the monument actually stopped growing for a while because they ran out of money! Can you imagine the builders having a yard sale to raise funds? "Slightly used marble slabs, slightly chipped - perfect for your patio!"
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
So, What Exactly is an Obelisk?
An obelisk is a tall, slender, four-sided pillar that usually tapers to a pyramid-shaped point at the top. They were popular in ancient Egypt and were often covered in hieroglyphics or religious symbols. The Washington Monument is a modern take on the obelisk design, but without any fancy squiggly writing (unless you count all the tourists who've signed their names on the inside - not recommended, folks).
Basically, it's a giant pointy tribute to a very important American.
Frequently Asked Pointy Questions (FAQ):
How to climb the Washington Monument?
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
There's an elevator inside, but you'll need a ticket – snag one online beforehand to avoid a pointy wait.
How tall is the Washington Monument?
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It's a whopping 555 feet and 5⅛ inches! That's taller than a football field (including the end zones)!
QuickTip: Highlight useful points as you read.
How long did it take to build the Washington Monument?
38 years, with a Civil War-induced break in the middle.
How much does the Washington Monument weigh?
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Enough to make your head spin – about 91,000 tons!
How many sides does an obelisk have?
Four, just like a giant, pointy box (but way cooler).
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