why was the washington monument built

The Washington Monument was built to honor George Washington, the United States' first president and a central figure in the founding of the nation. It serves as a tribute to his leadership both as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and as the first president who set important precedents for the new country. The monument symbolizes the nation's respect, gratitude, and admiration for Washington's key role in American history. Its design as a towering marble obelisk evokes timelessness and grandeur, befitting the stature of Washington's legacy. Construction began in 1848 and was completed in 1888, reflecting the nation's eventual zeal for monumental architecture despite initial challenges with funding and political issues.