Information

The cornerstone was laid July 4, 1848, and it quickly rose to 152 feet, however funds ran out in 1853. It remained unfinished for nearly 25 years until President Ulysses S. Grant approved an act to authorize the Federal Government to complete the project in December, 1884.

The famous marble obelisk, honoring America's first President, is the tallest structure in the nation's Capital and will remain so by law. Elevators take you to the top of the 555-foot monument for a spectacular view of the city.

The monument is open to the public daily (open till 12 noon on July 4, closed Christmas Day) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, April through Labor Day from 8:00 am to 12 midnight. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are free of charge and are distributed daily from the 15^th Street Kiosk on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 7:30 am (8:30 am during off-peak times) until the supply of tickets has been depleted. Tickets are given out in 30-minute increments and are distributed for same-day tours only. One person may obtain up to six tickets. Visitors may also order up to six tickets in advance by phoning Ticketmaster at 1-800-551-7328.

Ticketmaster charges a $1.50 service fee per ticket and a single $0.50 handling fee for each order. These fees compensate Ticketmaster for providing the service; the tickets themselves are still free of charge.

There are park rangers available from 8:00 am to 12 midnight daily, except Christmas Day. For more information on ranger programs, call (202) 426-6841.