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.