Yesterday’s 5.8-magnitude earthquake on the East Coast claimed a rather unexpected casualty: The Washington Monument.
Structural damage was apparently severe and the monument will be closed to visitors indefinitely. Here’s a quick read from The LA Times.
I can remember visiting this iconic landmark as a child of four, when my family lived in McLean, Virginia. My grandfather, who had a horrendous fear of heights, braved the ride up the elevator and held me up so I could see all of Washington with a “bird’s eye view.”
For many visitors, the monument IS Washington. Only time will tell if they can repair it or if it will have to be rebuilt. I really can’t imagine the skyline without it…
—–
Originally published 8/24/11