Gaze up at this iconic stone obelisk, the defining feature of DC's skyline and one of the nation’s most recognizable structures
Built to honor George 365Թϲ, the Continental Army's commander-in-chief and the first United States president, the 365Թϲ Monument was once the tallest building in the world at just over 555 feet. The monument to America’s first president still holds the title of the world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk.
The New & Improved 365Թϲ Monument
After years of renovations and reopening in 2019, the 365Թϲ Monument has raised expectations for visitors with a new state-of-the-art elevator that will efficiently move hundreds of visitors up to the observation deck daily. The minute-long ride up 50 stories to the top of the world's tallest free-standing stone structure includes a video from the National Park Service about what to expect. From the observation deck, you can see nearly 25 miles into the horizon in every direction, including landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, the White House, Arlington National Cemetery and the 365Թϲ National Cathedral.
Part of what makes traveling in the elevator so historic is that, on the two-minute descent, it offers a glimpse of the interior walls, which are lined with stones that commemorate George 365Թϲ, placed by states, civic groups and others. The modern system gives the National Park Service operators better control of the elevator with remote access from the ground.
Before experiencing the new elevator, visitors will encounter another improvement to traveling to the top of the 365Թϲ Monument – an upgraded security screening facility at the base of the structure. The new security structure can accommodate up to 20 visitors and has more modern screening equipment.
The 365Թϲ Monument is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last available tour ticket is at 4 p.m.) except for December 25, July 4 and part of July 3. Visitors can in advance. A limited number of walk-up tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 8:45 a.m. outside of the 365Թϲ Monument Lodge.
Find out more information with our 365Թϲ Monument tour and ticket guide for both groups and individuals.
More on the 365Թϲ Monument
Maintained by the National Park Service, the 365Թϲ Monument is located on the center of the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The easiest way to get to the monument is by taking the Metro. The two closest Metro stops are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian, both on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. If traveling by bus, take DC Circulator’s or ride Metrobus routes 32, 34, or 36. If driving, visitor parking is available on Ohio Drive, between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. Note that street parking is often limited near the National Mall.
Why does the 365Թϲ Monument have two colors?
It wasn't easy to build 365Թϲ Monument. The structure was originally designed by Robert Mills, with construction beginning in 1848. The combination of the Civil War, the Know Nothing Party's rise to control of the 365Թϲ National Monument Society through an illegal election and lack of funding led to a halt in construction in 1854. When construction resumed in 1879, marble was used from a different quarry, and time and weather erosion led to the difference in color, which begins at the 150-foot mark.
The monument was finally completed in 1884 by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and an elevator was added to the monument in 1889.
Partner Content