Baltimore's Washington Monument

Last week, I had to pick up my neighbor that I babysit from her dance rehearsal at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. I parked on E Mount Vernon Place so naturally, when I saw the tall marble column in the center of the cobble stone road, I got out of my car and walked over to get a closer look at the Washington Monument.

Baltimore's Washington Monument lit up at night.

I was blown away by the height of the monument, seeing it from far away before, but never observing from up-close. I didn’t get a chance to climb the 227 stairs of the Washington Monument, but I can imagine the beautiful views you can see once you reach the top, overlooking the historic city and Druid Hill park. It is significant to Baltimore because it was the first major monument to honor George Washington. I was shocked to learn that the construction of the monument began in 1815 and was completed by 1829 and consists of marble sourced from 3 quarries in Maryland. The monument represents Baltimore’s pride in our country and the gratitude for the first president of the United States.

2009 Lighting of the Washington Monument with my sister Anna, brother Tim, and neighbors Brian and Kara.

The Washington Monument is also the center of an annual Baltimore tradition held since 1971 during the first Thursday in December. I was unable to attend this year because I was busy with school, but growing up, my parents would always take my siblings and I to the “Lighting of the Washington Monument.” I can remember being bundled up in my coat and hat with a hot chocolate in hand watching the monument as it lit up with color strands of Christmas lights. I was always so excited for the lighting ceremony each year because it signified the start of the Christmas Season. Not only is the Washington Monument an important symbol in the city’s gratitude and pride for its history, but it is also a monument that brings the community together to celebrate the unique culture Baltimore brings.