Washington Monument Gets New, Shorter Official Height
- 9 years ago
A new measurement of the Washington Monument’s height reflects a nearly 10-inch decrease in stature.
When it was built the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the US.
Since then, a lot of architectural achievements have surpassed the obelisk’s height, and it seems that even the monument itself doesn’t measure up the way it used to.
A new assessment reflects a nearly 10-inch decrease in stature since its height was last determined in the 1880s.
Back then it came in at 555 feet and 5 and one-eighth inches.
Based on the latest calculations it now stands just over 554 and a half feet.
Scientists from the National Geodetic Survey performed the update according to the standards set forth by the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
They say that though it is a bit smaller, there’s no need to panic.
The vast majority of the difference simply reflects a change in the base starting point.
As the mall on which the monument stands was recently revamped, a new
When it was built the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the US.
Since then, a lot of architectural achievements have surpassed the obelisk’s height, and it seems that even the monument itself doesn’t measure up the way it used to.
A new assessment reflects a nearly 10-inch decrease in stature since its height was last determined in the 1880s.
Back then it came in at 555 feet and 5 and one-eighth inches.
Based on the latest calculations it now stands just over 554 and a half feet.
Scientists from the National Geodetic Survey performed the update according to the standards set forth by the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
They say that though it is a bit smaller, there’s no need to panic.
The vast majority of the difference simply reflects a change in the base starting point.
As the mall on which the monument stands was recently revamped, a new