Here’s why it took 51 years to build the Washington Monument

Something for George

For George Washington’s birthday Feb. 22, here’s a look at the monument built in honor of our first president, and why it took 51 years to complete.

The Washington Monument is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It was quite difficult to complete. According to the National Archives, the Continental Congress proposed erecting a statue of Washington in the new capital as far back as 1783.

In 1833 the Washington Monument Foundation was created and began raising money.