robert Mills- Washington Monument

Robert Mills

Washington Monument

Marble, Granite, and bluestone gneiss

555’ 5 1/8” X 55’ 1 ½”

Began 1848 and completed 1884

Robert mills was born August 12th 1781 and died March 3rd 1855. He is most well known as the architect who constructed the Washington Monument. After graduating at the College of Charleston he moved to Washington DC. At the age of 19 he started to work on the construction of the White House with his friend and mentor John Hoban. During that time he met Thomas Jefferson, who would go on to mentor Robert. Robert had also constructed many other buildings around the DC area, including several churches, a prison, Department of Treasury, and Washington Hall.

Tiffany Y. from Honolulu, Hawaii said this abut the Washington Monument; “I tell you, as we walked down the National Mall and seeing the Washington Monument was so impressive because of it's height with the flags surrounding it. I haven't seen it during the evening and looking forward to next week when I do!”

The Washington Monument was created to commemorate George Washington, who was our first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The monument remains the tallest stone structure in the world. Construction began in 1848 and didn’t get competed until 1884. It took so long to complete because of the lack of funds and the interruption of the Civil War. The monument was damaged in an earthquake in 2011, and isn’t due to open until 2014.

I chose the Washington Monument, because it is a simple structure, yet it holds great historical significance. The monument is known by most people, despite its simplicity, it is an American icon.