Unattributed “Washington National Monument. Washington, D.C."

Unattributed.  “Washington National Monument.  Washington, D.C.” 

Philadelphia: S.H. Austin, 1885.  19 x 13 ¼ (image).  Lithograph by T. Hunter.  Minor repaired tear right hand margin.  Else, very good condition.  A/A

The Washington National Monument Society was founded in 1833, and in 1836 it selected a design by Robert Mills of South Carolina.  Some money was raised over the years until 1848 when Congress authorized a site and construction began. The Washington Monument Was originally designed as a Roman obelisk with a Greek temple as a base, as seen in the print, but it was later changed to a simple Egyptian obelisk.  Completed in 1884, this print commemorates the completion of construction but interestingly enough depicts the structure as originally designed.  Below the main image are two inset views of Washington resigning his commission and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  On either side is information on the monument and of other significant structures in the world.