In 1833, a citizens group founded the Washington National Monument Society. They launched a donation drive to build the monument, sending notices to newspapers & businesses. In 1836, the society sponsored a design competition for the structure. Architect Robert Mills' design won, complete with a 500 ft obelisk surrounded by a circular Greek temple. Proposed for the interior was a sculpture of a toga-clad Washington, driving a battle chariot drawn by Arabian steeds.
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Robert Mills' temple & sculpture ideas were later discarded due to the cost, but the obelisk was kept. Construction began in 1848, but was ceased in 1854 due to the lack of funds and political unrest. The monument stood incomplete at 156 feet high for a full 20 years. Construction finally resumed in 1874, and the 3300 lb marble capstone was added in 1884, completing the 555 foot high obelisk. The monument is presently undergoing major restoration work.
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