“We were able to determine about 3/8 of an inch had been melted off from the very top.” That means the original 1884 measurement, completed with much less sophisticated equipment, was within ¾ of an inch of the findings from the newest survey, using the original brass markers as a base point.

Yes, the Washington Monument is an obelisk, a form that inherently tapers as it rises to provide both structural stability and aesthetic balance. At its base, the monument is approximately 55 feet wide, but by the time it reaches the 500-foot level, just below the pyramidion (the pointed cap), it narrows to about 34 feet. This subtle tapering is essential for monumental masonry structures to ensure the center of gravity remains stable. The very top of the monument is crowned by a four-sided pyramidion made of marble and capped with a small aluminum point. In 2026, the monument remains the tallest predominantly stone structure in the world, standing at 555 feet. The tapering effect is so precise that from a distance, the monument appears perfectly straight and graceful, but close-up inspection or engineering schematics reveal the significant reduction in width. This design allows it to withstand high winds and seismic activity, as seen during the 2011 earthquake when the structure's flexibility and tapered shape helped prevent total collapse despite some interior cracking.