washington monument steps

There are 898 washington monument steps. The bottom step has been changed to a handicap ramp. Walking up the steps was stopped in 1976. One reason could be the valuable commemorative stones from each of the states that are embedded in the interior walls.
“It had 898 steps to the level of the windows at 500 feet. Instead of huffing and puffing up the steps, men could ride the steam elevator, which took 20 minutes. (Women and children had to walk because the elevator was considered too dangerous!).”
“Today the monument has only 897 steps (the bottom one has been converted to a wheelchair ramp). But visitors aren't allowed to walk up anymore; now everyone can ride the elevator to the top in 70 seconds and look out on the city. From there it's easy to see L'Enfant's grand design for our nation's capital, named in honor of the first President”…..

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