About This Resource
The Washington Monument contains 897 steps climbing 555 feet to the top. While public access uses elevators, the stairs are opened annually for charity stair climbing events. Participants climb the stairs to raise funds for memorial maintenance and other causes. The stairs pass commemorative stones contributed by states, organizations, and foreign countries during construction. The annual climb has become a popular fitness challenge. The stairs represent both the monument's construction history and modern adaptive use for community events. The Washington Monument stairs demonstrate how closed infrastructure can still serve public purposes through special events.
