Earthquake on the National Mall <p>On August 23, 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake affected the Washington, DC area and much of the east coast. From its epicenter in Louisa County, Virginia, the unusual quake caused minimal damage. However, <a href="http://mallhistory.org/items/show/265">the exterior of the Washington Monument had several large cracks that required repair</a>. The National Park Service closed the Monument for safety and the structure was clad in scaffolding until the repairs were completed in May 2014.</p> National Park Service. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=31761A3A-1DD8-B71C-07F1BF9000447AD9">View original</a>. 08/23/2011 <a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=38&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2000-present">2000-present</a>