The Washington Monument

The Monument was built to Honor George Washington, the General that defeated
the British after the Declaration of Independence and became the First President
of the United States of America.

Seldom mentioned is that in Washington, D.C., there can never be a building
of greater height than the Washington Monument.

Followng below, is historical information about two Latin words - Laus Deo.



Laus Deo

The Washington Monument is approximately 55 Stories Tall. It is open to the Public,
one of our Capital's main attractions and managed by the National Park Service.


Most Americans are not aware of the Historical information that follows:

On the cap at top of the Washington Monument (WM) are two words - Laus Deo.
No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors, are totally unaware and
probably couldn't care less.

These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high,
at top of the WM, facing skyward to the Father of our Nation, overlooking 69 square
miles which comprise the District of Columbia, Capital of the U.S.A. the most successful
Nation in the world.

So, what do those two words in Latin possibly mean? They say 'Praise be to God'!

Though construction of the WM began in 1848, when James Polk was President, it
took 25 years until the Monument was inaugrated and opened to the public.

From the Top of this magnificant structure WM, visitors may take in the beautiful view
of the city with division into four major segments. The White House to the North; the
Jefferson Memorial to the South; the Capitol to the East; and the Lincoln Memorial
to the West.

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