"DEDICATED TO THE IMMORTAL MEMORY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON"

TALLEST STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD DEDICATED 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 21, 1885, the Washington Monument, the tallest structure in the world at the time, was dedicated here in the Nation's Capital.

The ceremony, which began at 11 a.m., had eight hundred people in attendance enduring very cold temperatures and a brisk wind.  Construction on the 555 foot monument, designed by Robert Mills*, was begun on July 4, 1848.  Made of marble, granite and sandstone, the monument was completed at a cost of $1,817,710.

The dedication proceedings were called to order by Senator John Sherman (R-Ohio) and concluded with the acceptance of the monument "on behalf of the people of the United States" by President Chester A. Arthur.

Following is an excerpt from President Arthur's remarks:

"I do now, as President of the United States in behalf of the people, receive this monument from the hands of its builder and declare it dedicated from this time forth to the immortal name and memory of George Washington."

*Robert Mills (1781-1855) was born in Charleston, SC & studied architecture under James Hoban & Benjamin Latrobe.  RM designed the Washington Monuments in Baltimore & Washington DC, the Treasury Building, the Patent Office Building & the General Post Office .  

SOURCE

"Marking a People's Love", The New York Times, February 22, 1885.

The Washington Monument

Photo by John White ( 2011)

WASHINGTON MONUMENT DEDICATED

WASHINGTON MONUMENT DEDICATED 129 YEARS AGO TODAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The Washington Monument, the tallest structure in the world at the time, was dedicated 129 years ago today, February 21, 1885, here in the Nation's Capital.

The ceremony, which began at 11 a.m., had eight hundred people in attendance enduring very cold temperatures and a brisk wind.

The 555 foot monument, designed by Robert Mills, was begun on July 4, 1848.

Made of marble, granite and sandstone, the Washington Monument was completed at a cost of $1,817,710.

The Washington Monument

Photo by John White ( 2007)

The proceedings were called to order by Senator Sherman and concluded with the acceptance of the monument "on behalf of the people of the United States" by President Chester A. Arthur.

Following is an excerpt from President Arthur's remarks:

"I do now, as President of the United States in behalf of the people, receive this monument from the hands of its builder and declare it dedicated from this time forth to the immortal name and memory of George Washington."*

SOURCE

"Marking a People's Love", The New York Times, February 22, 1885.

USPS Postage Stamp

Chester A. Arthur

MALCOLM X MURDERED IN NEW YORK CITY

New York City (JFK+50) Malcolm X, born as Malcolm Little and founder of the Organization of American Unity, was giving a speech to the group when he was shot and killed 49 years ago today, February 21, 1965, here in New York City.

Malcolm X grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of a Baptist preacher who supported the ideas of Marcus Garvey.

After being found guilty of burglary, Malcolm Little served six years in prison.

He later became a minister of the Nation of Islam in Harlem.

Malcolm X was suspended from his ministry by the group's leader, Elijah Muhammad, when Malcolm X said that President John F. Kennedy's death was a case of the "chickens coming home to roost".

Malcolm X