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.
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.
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)
