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Why the Original Plan for the Washington Monument Was Abandoned

The Washington Monument we see today is not what its architect had planned.

07/17/2025 | Rating NR

Boundary Stones

Why the Original Plan for the Washington Monument Was Abandoned

7/17/2025 | 4m 1s

The Washington Monument we see today is not what its architect had planned.

The Washington Monument we know today is an iconic, simple obelisk — but it wasn't always supposed to look that way! The Monument went through many, many proposed designs, a hostile takeover, decades in limbo, and construction mired in drama. But in the end, one engineer's vision triumphed over artists, politicians, and critics.

07/17/2025 | Rating NR

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Boundary Stones is a local public television program presented by WETA

Boundary Stones

Why the Original Plan for the Washington Monument Was Abandoned

7/17/2025 | 4m 1s

The Washington Monument we know today is an iconic, simple obelisk — but it wasn't always supposed to look that way! The Monument went through many, many proposed designs, a hostile takeover, decades in limbo, and construction mired in drama. But in the end, one engineer's vision triumphed over artists, politicians, and critics.

07/17/2025 | Rating NR

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

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