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Lost History

Washington Monument Almost Built As Pyramid

What if the Washington Monument was built as a pyramid instead of an obelisk? It could have been if this design came to fruition.

Posted 1 min read
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Monument ("Washington Monument"), Washington, D.C. Rendered perspective
Monument ("Washington Monument"), Washington, D.C. Rendered perspective

We posted some great old alternative designs for the Lincoln Memorial a while back and they were quite popular. Well, we dug up one for the Washington Monument which you’ll surely enjoy. This one is dated 1799 by Benjamin Latrobe, best known as the architect of the Capitol Building.

While you’re thinking about the Washington Monument, check out these two amazing photos of its apex. They’re very rare, and it’s something you’re not likely to see yourself up close.

Monument ("Washington Monument"), Washington, D.C. Rendered perspective
Monument (“Washington Monument”), Washington, D.C. Rendered perspective (Library of Congress)

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Filed underLost History

Topics1790s · Architecture · Washington Monument

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