The monument in Baltimore was designed by Robert Mills, the same architect behind the D. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. Live TV. This Day In History. History Vault. Plans for the monument began even before Washington was elected president. The original design for the monument was much different than what ended up being built.
Recommended for you. The foundation extended 7 feet, 8 inches below ground, and 15 feet, 8 inches above. Sunday, July 4, , was the day selected for laying the cornerstone. It was of pure white Symington marble weighing 24, pounds and had been dragged through the streets of Washington by workmen and anyone else who could seize a line of the cumbersome vehicle transporting it from the railroad station to the site.
The day seemed propitious. It dawned sunny. An early morning light rain had laid the dust of Washington's hot summer and "infused a delicious light freshness" to the atmosphere.
The day's mood was enthusiastic without any foreshadowing of the problems to be met and the length of time it would take to complete the memorial. Fares were reduced for the occasion by railroads and stagecoach lines entering the city. It was estimated that a crowd of 15, to 20, had gathered near the site and along the parade route from the Capitol. The arch was festive in its decorations of red, white and blue bunting, and tethered to its top sat a huge American bald eagle, said to be over 40 years old, glowering over the crowd.
It was the same eagle that had decorated the arch in Alexandria, Va. President James K. Polk led the parade to the site and his carriage was followed by those of members of his Cabinet, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and marching groups of military units and patriotic organizations. The horse-drawn pumpers and hose carts were resplendent with flowers, flags, and bunting.
The firemen added to the occasion dressed in the distinctive uniform of each company, ranging from red dress jackets to white pantaloons. House Speaker Robert C. Winthrop delivered a two-hour oration that was followed by the placing of various mementoes in a zinc case in the cornerstone.
The cornerstone was formally laid by Grandmaster Benjamin B. South Mountain Battlefield is the only Civil War battlefield that intersects with this historic trail. Fun fact: Maryland contains yet another Washington Monument that predates the historic structure on the National Mall. Designed by Robert Mills, the same architect who designed the monument in D. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
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