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| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | The National Mall in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic) |
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Why is the Washington Monument Temporarily Closed?
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By Bill Coughlin, November 11, 2011 | |
| | | 1. Why is the Washington Monument Temporarily Closed? Marker | | |
Inscription.
On August 23, 2011, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake centered in Virginia sent tremors throughout eastern North America. This seismic activity affected a number of Washington, D.C. landmarks, including the Washington Monument. National Park Service engineers and experts in historic preservation and earthquake engineering immediately assessed the physical impact in order to determine the best way to repair this national treasure and restore public access.
Completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1884, the Washington Monument honors George Washington for his generalship in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and for his later refusal to serve more than two terms as President of the United States (1789-1797). The Monument remains the world’s tallest freestanding stone structure, having weathered several earthquakes, including one in 1897 with a magnitude of 5.9.
For Another Bird’s Eye View:
The National Park Service suggests a visit to the 270-foot observation level of the historic Old Post Office Tower, open daily, except December 25th. Located at 12th Street and Pennsylvania, NW, the tower ranks third in height among Washington, D.C. buildings and offers sweeping views of the Nation’s Capital.
Erected by National Park Service.
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By Bill Coughlin, November 11, 2011 | |
| | | 2. Marker in Washington, DC | | |
38° 53.398′ N, 77° 2.342′ W. Marker is in The National Mall, District of Columbia, in Washington. Marker is on 17th Street, on the right when traveling north. Click for map. Marker is located on the west side of the Washington Monument and across the street from the World War II Memorial, on 17th Street between Independence Avenue and Constitution Avenue. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20024, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. World War II Memorial (about 400 feet away, in a direct line); Washington Monument (about 400 feet away); John Paul Jones Memorial (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named John Paul Jones Memorial (about 600 feet away); Jefferson Pier (about 700 feet away); The Washington City Canal (about 800 feet away); The Canal Connection (about 800 feet away); Lock Keeper’s House (about 800 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in The National Mall.
More about this marker. The background of the marker shows a map of North America indicating the epicenter of the earthquake in Mineral, Virginia and its proximity to Washington, D.C. as well as Toronto, Ontario and Atlanta, Georgia.
Photographs at the lower left of the marker depict “Cracks in the pyramidion on the west side of the Monument.”; “Daylight appear[ing] where mortar and historic joint filler once were.”; and “National Park Service personnel amidst fallen marble and mortar.”
Finally, under the Bird’s Eye View sidebar is a map of the National Mall indicating the location of the Washington Monument. Next to this is a picture of The Old Post Office Tower. |
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By Bill Coughlin, November 11, 2011 | |
| | | 3. Marker ans the Washington Monument | | |
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By Bill Coughlin, November 11, 2011 | |
| | | 4. Washington Monument | | |
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Credits. This page originally submitted on November 14, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 206 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 14, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.
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