|
|
ATTRACTIONS — USA:
Washington Monument, Baltimore
History of the Washington Monument, Baltimore
The Washington Monument is probably Baltimore’s most famous landmarks
and thus a must-see for all tourists. In 1809 a proposition was made that
Baltimore mark this great hero Washington but it was a long, arduous and
expensive process. It was only two years later that the monies were raised
and Robert Mills’ design won the architectural competition in 1815
to construct the building. Significantly for Americans, it was on July
4th of that year that the cornerstone was laid for the building. It took
a further 14 years for the remainder of this phenomenal building to reach
completion. Interestingly, this monument was constructed some five decades
before its counterpart in Washington DC!
How the Washington Monument appears in Baltimore
If you are taking a stroll down North Charles or Monument Street, there
you will see it. In fact, you do not even need to be on one of the streets
to enjoy a view of this phenomenal monument since this 178 foot Doric
column is not something you can exactly miss. Make sure you are wearing
your walking shoes if you want to get a really good look at it in its
entirety since it has 228 steps. But it is worth the track as once you
get to the top the view of the city is breathtaking and historically educational
at the same time. It just isn’t the same if you don’t walk
it; a bit like going to the Eiffel Tower and not getting to the top by
foot. It is all part of the experience.
Inside the Washington Monument
Once you are inside, you will find a museum, a plan column, and on top
of it, like the top of a wedding cake, a stature of Washington. There
is an iron fence around the base which was added in 1838, comprising some
of the symbolism that was removed from the column due to financial restrictions.
Today visitors can enjoy the restored sanctuary, a gift shop, a modern
museum and for those who want a real taste of history, the (computerized)
chiming of the bells. The art museum is fascinating for all those interested
in art, sociology or politics as it has displays housing these components.
|
|
