The Washington Monument Analysis

The most stunning monument in our capital is the Washington Monument. At 555 feet high, it is the tallest such monument in the world. It is an obelisk by shape, yet not a true obelisk because it is not carved out of a single stone. The monument was built at intervals between 1848 and 1885. It memorializes George Washington's achievements and his devotion to principles and to his country.

In the book Monument Wars by Kirk Savage, "the monumental core in Washington functions somewhat like a pilgrimage site, where communities of believers actually come together in the act of occupying a holy site, seeing a relic, reenacting a sacred event" (source A). The Lincoln Memorial meets the "criteria" by having the location pertain to Washington D.C. and Lincolns presidency and him living in Washington District of Columbia. The memorial itself contains no actual relic of Lincoln. it is pure representation- a colossal marble statue. (source A). The Lobsterman monument never really had a place, to begin with. "the artist just slapped a coat of bronze paint over the plaster model and shipped it to New York” (source F). This quote itself shows that in the making of this monument for the new york world fair in 1939 it was never well put together, and it now is in storage. Having the monument in Washington D.C. is ridiculous due to the fact that it had nothing to do with Washington D.C. in the first

From Trajan’s Column, completed in 113 AD, to the statue of Christopher Columbus in Easton, Pennsylvania, monuments and memorials have been a significant element of celebration and honor throughout history (Source B). Though monuments are typically meant as a symbol of honor, recent controversy over statues dedicated to Confederate leaders and generals has sparked the debate over how to choose subjects to memorialize, and the actual development of these memorials. When considering what or who to honor, one must also consider the subjects impact on history, ensuring that it is positive. In creating memorials and monuments, groups and agencies should examine the historical significance of the events or persons they wish to memorialize, and the

When designing the monument, it is believed that Herman A, MacNeil had the intention of showing how strong those in the confederacy were, and that they would protect the confederacy as a whole during any issues that could arise. When looking at the statue, the first thing noticed is the semi- unclothed man with a shield and sword at the very front, and I feel that the designer placed him in that position to show that the confederacy at the time of the Civil War was extremely powerful. There is also a lady standing behind the man, presumably the mans wife, and she was placed there to

The size of a monument or museum is important to think about because you must ensure that the person or event you are memorializing receives the recognition it deserves. After it was decided that there needs to be a Holocaust museum on the Washington Mall, protesters stated that the proposed design was too large (Source E). “The purpose of the museum was to remember the Holocaust, not overpower the mall or its visitors” (Source E). By downsizing the design plan, curators were able to create a place of regard without overpowering the other memorials and museums. The materials used to construct a monument also play a role in ensuring a person or event receive the respect they/ it deserves. When designing the Vietnam Veterans memorial in Washington, D.C, Maya Lin decided to use “Black granite in order to make the surface reflective and peaceful” (Source G). Lin’s choice of black granite helped to create a somber feeling while still showing respect and remembrance to those who fought in the war. The size and material of a monument can have a huge impact on those paying their respects to a person or event and the way they recieve its

Monuments are a way you can immortalize a person. There are many ways to create monuments such as writing a book, Speeches, even sculpting. Many factors play into creating a monument of a person. When honoring a person you have to look at the location, size, and material and the significance of the monument.

The Indians of Crazy Horse’s tribe have misgivings because "It depicts a proud man whose image was never captured in a photograph or drawing. "(Source C) If the motive of the memorial was to help the Indians, there may have been better ways to go about it. Time, talent and money invested in carving the statue could have been spent on cultural education to help preserve the proud heritage of the Indians.

As you travel and visit a tourist location such as Washington D.C. , you see monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Memorial. If you ever wonder the purpose of that monument could be or making and placing history as a view for everyone could see. A memorial can consider, though region, material, how large, and the significance of the stone can mean honor achievement for those who sacrificed the wars.

People can honor a historical figure or event in various ways, such as a film or museum. People may also memorialize events or people with a monument. Monuments help remember great moments of achievement and they pay homage to deep sacrifice. When creating a monument to commemorate a person or event, a group or agency should consider the factors of location, size, and material.

The supplemental plaque the State of New Mexico decided to place reads: “Thus, we see on this monument… the use of such terms as ‘savage’ and ‘rebel’. Attitudes change and prejudices hopefully dissolve” (Marker). Pitcaithley added that this action by the State could not have been more perfect because it is able to “explain how past the generations were comfortable with language considered inappropriate today.” (Pitcaithley). This is a quintessential solution that will appeal to most different crowds: the people who are not racist for wanting to keep historical statues in the public’s eye, and the people who believe that these statues are mainly being removed so the nation does not have to face the embarrassment of this tainted part of American history. In Dwight T. Pitcaithley’s words “...layers of history would not only remind us of this nation’s deep history of racism but also encourage us to confront [them].”

But nowhere has this habit become more habit-forming than in the nation’s capitol. On May 29, Memorial Day, our newest shine will be officially unveiled. Built over three years by 500 workers at a cost of $175 million, the circular tribute in stone known as the World War II Memorial is situated on Washington’s two-mile long National Mall -- midway

When memorials are placed in an inappropriate spot, the message is skewed, and there seems to be of little relevance if the monument is not where the impact was most prominent. You would

The location of a monument is extremely important and should be one of the most important things that should be considered. Moreover, the location should be somewhere important that would not conflict with historical landmarks or that will cause problems for the people living around the monument. For example, in Source D, Kosareft explained how the cemetery in Savannah Memorial Park was in danger of being removed because developers want to use the land. This is an issue because the cemetery holds the graves of the San Gabriel Valley pioneers and is an important landmark to many of the people living in Savannah. Using a location like this to build a monument is not ideal because it would destroy a place that holds a lot of history. Additionally, in source C, Lawrence Downes states that the location of Mount Rushmore had destroyed the Sioux’s homes/land. Downes says, “It was bad enough that white

A work of art is something that touches the emotions of people. Without saying a word, art often speaks volumes to its viewers by challenging the current ideological orders, which are better known as the ways in which society thinks, acts, and functions on a daily basis. One of the most powerful art forms in terms of influencing society is a monument, which can be defined as a large manmade structure built to commemorate a significant person or event in history. Like all forms of art, monuments tell a story. Additionally, they take art to the next level by portraying something historical. They are one of the best art forms when it comes to influencing the public, yet their cultural impact is often overlooked. Many people see a monument as a display of a person or event’s importance to society during its time in history. However, that is not its sole purpose. It should also remind people of how the world was impacted by the particular event it stands for. A monument is capable of fueling an effort to maintain the change brought about by what it represents while also inspiring people to refrain from returning ideological order to its state prior to that event’s position in history. When designing a monument, architects strive to reach success in both of these categories to maximize its impact on ideological order.

Most monuments are created to memorialize a specific individual or an event taken place in history. When creating a monument, there are many aspects and factors that need to be considered when creating a monument that memorializes an individual or an event from past history. Factors that should be acknowledged when creating a monument to memorialize a specific individual or an event should conclude the consideration of meaning and representation behind a monument, the consideration of where a monument is located and size, and finally, the message a monument conceives for its audience.