Quaking monument

Dear Editor,

An earthquake of 5.8 magnitude that hit our country's East Coast Aug. 23, 2011, ha been the center of attention.

According to TV news coverage, it was felt from North Carolina to New Hampshire. Its epicenter was in Mineral, Virginia, 90 miles from Washington D.C.

There was concern that the Washington Monument might have tilted slightly during the quake. Shaking was felt at the White House. As a precaution, the U.S. Capitol Building and the Pentagon were evacuated.

The Washington Monument, which is more than 555 feet high, was the world's tallest structure until the Eiffel Tower was built in Paris, France, in 1889. It was built to honor George Washington (1732-1799), our first president. Many people have climbed its 897 steps since it was dedicated in 1885. Today, they are no longer allowed to do this for safety reasons.

There were many proposals to build a memorial to Washington after his death. In 1832, one hundred years after his birth, the Washington Monument Society was formed.

Finally, on Feb. 22, 1885, the monument wa formally dedicated. This was preceded by years of political disagreement, lack of funds and the American Civil War.

It was an obelisk shape and is based on the plan drawn by the architect Robert Mills.

In 2004, the monument was closed for a $15 million renovation. After the 2011 quake, it has been indefinitely closed because of a crack near the top.

(The capstone weighs 3,300 pounds.)

The total cost of the monument is $1,187,710. Its exterior is white marble. The interior is granite, marble, limestone, soapstone and jade.

Helen Ruth Arnold,

Trenton, Nebraska