Washington Monument reopens today
WASHINGTON — More than 150 cracks have been repaired, rainwater leaks have been sealed, and the 130-year-old Washington Monument will reopen today for the first time in nearly three years since an earthquake caused widespread damage.
The memorial honoring George Washington has been closed for about 33 months for engineers to conduct an extensive analysis and restoration of the 555-foot stone obelisk that was once the tallest structure in the world.
The monument’s white marble and mortar were cracked and shaken loose during an unusual 5.8-magnitude earthquake in August 2011 that sent some of the worst vibrations to the top. Debris fell inside and outside the monument, and visitors scrambled to evacuate. Later, engineers evaluated the damage by rappelling from the top, dangling from ropes.
New exhibits have been installed, and visitors can once again ride an elevator to look out from the highest point in the nation’s capital. The full restoration cost $15 million. Businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein contributed $7.5 million to expedite the repairs. Rubenstein said Sunday that he was surprised how much the monument means to people who have written him letters and e-mail.
During the restoration, the AP had a look at some of the worst damage from the 500-foot level. Stones were chipped and cracked all the way through. Others had hairline cracks that had to be sealed.
Some damaged marble was replaced with salvaged material or stone from the same Maryland quarry as the monument’s original marble. The replacement stone had been saved from the steps of old Baltimore row houses.
The monument was built in two phases between 1848 and 1884. When it was completed, it was the world’s tallest structure for five years until it was eclipsed by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
It normally draws about 700,000 visitors a year. The National Park Service will offer extended hours beginning Tuesday and through the summer from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
