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WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT
1885
WASHINGTON, DC
This medal obviously commemorates dedication of the
famous national monument. Issue probably struck privately; either presented
to guests and officials at opening ceremonies or sold to visitors as
souvenir.
Monument is tapering shaft or obelisk, white marble
faced, 555 feet high, 55 feet square at base. Eight small windows, at 500
foot level, reached by stairway of 50 landings and 900 steps or by elevator
requiring 70 seconds for ascent.
Thirtieth (1848) Congress created Washington National
Monument Association to supervise construction; also authorized cost be met
by popular subscription. Cornerstone laid July 4, 1848 but progress slow.
Six years and $300,000 later, controversy ensued; contributions and work
ceased. Construction resumed 1880 by Corps of Engineers at government
expense; dedicated Feb. 21, 1885; opened Oct. 9, 1888.
 
Obv. Male bust facing l., in very high relief;
to l., around George; to r., around Washington; beaded border.
Rev. Monument in center; to l. of monument,
around Cor. stone laid / July 4, 1848 / small 555 ft. high;
to r. of monument, around Dedicated / Feb. 21, 1885 / small
81200 tons; border legend Washington Monument; below monument
Washington D. C.; beaded border.
HK-145 White Metal. 45mm. Baker N-322.
HK-145a Bronze.
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