The tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1884, the Washington Monument was meant to capture the respect and gratitude American citizens have for our first president. The journey to build the obelisk was long and arduous, including a 23-year gap in the construction. According to Mark Twain, the incomplete monument looked like ‘a factory chimney with the top broken off.’ On this day in 1876 the Washington Monument was accepted into the National Park System, and today it’s one of the most recognizable buildings in the US.
An uncommon look at an American icon
Today in History
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A temple, preserved
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Inhale and exhale, it’s Yoga Day
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Taiwan yuhinas in Alishan National Scenic Area
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National Hummingbird Day
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Anniversary of Bryce Canyon National Park
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Festival of British Archaeology
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All eyes on sustainability
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Point Reyes National Seashore
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A throng of ice and spires
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Trevi in bloom
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National Dolphin Day
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National Lighthouse Day
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The Lena Delta Wildlife Reserve in Siberia, Russia
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The dog days of summer
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Computer Science EDU Week
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Maybe we should be looking up
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A tower of light
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International Tiger Day
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Helloooooo, Innsbruck
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Who left the tub running?
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Spring comes to the Diablo foothills
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Squirrel Appreciation Day
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Cross this bridge if you dare
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Mexican giant cardon cactus
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A view from the top
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International Surfing Day
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Moai statues on Easter Island, Chile
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World Architecture Day
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Celebrating Panama s independence
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Squirrel Appreciation Day
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

