The Washington Monument is a 555-foot tall obelisk-shaped building built to honor the first U.S. president, George Washington and his military leadership during the American Revolution. The most prominent landmark in the District of Columbia, it serves as the centerpiece of the National Mall. It is the tallest building in D.C., and by law, no other building is allowed to be taller. The Washington Monument is also considered to be the tallest free standing masonry structure in the world. Fifty flags surround the base of the Washington Monument symbolizing the 50 states of America, while inside, the interior walls are lined with 192 memorial stones from foreign countries and various organizations. The top can be reached only by elevator and offers arguably the best panoramic view of the city. The Washington Monument has more than 800,000 visitors each year.

Construction of the Washington Monument took nearly a century of planning, building, and controversy. A difference in shading of the marble clearly delineates the initial construction from its resumption. Actual construction of the monument began in 1848. The exterior was completed in 1884 while the interior in 1888, and contains 36,491 blocks and weighs 90,854 tons. A nine-inch tall aluminum pyramid can be seen at the top of the monument, while the lightning rods protect the monument from lightning strikes. The Washington Monument recently added a new information center built just below the observation deck, and a new wall was constructed around the monument to improve security.

Visitors will find an elevator and 897-step stairway inside, and on top at 500 feet, an observation deck. Also a popular venue for a wide range of events is the Sylvan Theater, an outdoor amphitheater located near the base of the Washington Monument. The amphitheater provides free concerts and live theatrical performances, as well a venue for commemorative ceremonies, rallies and protests.