Original Design of the Washington Monument

Title

Original Design of the Washington Monument

Description

This original, lavish design of the Washington Monument was created by Robert Mills, who won a national design competition in 1836 sponsored by the Washington National Monument Society. The Society relied on public funds for construction. Shortly after construction began in 1854 they were forced to stop when money ran out. In 1876 Congress took over the construction of the monument, choosing to construct a simple obelisk instead of Mills' original design.

Creator

Source

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. View original.

Coverage

Original Format

Architectural Drawing

Description

This original, lavish design of the Washington Monument was created by Robert Mills, who won a national design competition in 1836 sponsored by the Washington National Monument Society. The Society relied on public funds for construction. Shortly after construction began in 1854 they were forced to stop when money ran out. In 1876 Congress took over the construction of the monument, choosing to construct a simple obelisk instead of Mills' original design.

Creator

Robert Mills

Coverage

1830-1859

Source

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. View original.

Geolocation