(The First) Washington Monument

From http://www.dnr.state.md.us:

On the summit of South Mountain, a spur of the Blue Ridge chain, stands the rugged stone tower known as The Washington Monument -- the first monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington. Rising majestically to a height of 34 feet, the tower was built by the citizens of the village of Boonsboro. It has been said that "As monuments go, none was ever built with purer or more reverent patriotism."


On July 4, 1827, at 7 a.m., most of the 500 inhabitants of the town assembled in the public square. Behind the Stars and Stripes, stepping spiritedly to the music of a fife and drum corps, they marched two miles up the mountain to the site they had chosen for the errection of the monument. This site was selected because of the abundance of "blue rocks," as the outcroppings of granite were called. Construction of the tower was begun in a spirit of fervent cooperation. Since water for mortar was not available at the site, huge stones were carefully selected and accurately cut, and then laid in the dry circular wall.