600 N. Charles St.
410-396-0929
HOURS:
Wednesday thru Sunday 10-4pm
ADMISSION:
$1.00
Created
by Robert Mills, who later designed the Washington D.C. monument,
this 178 foot Doric column was erected in 1829 and is the first
architectural monument honoring George Washington. Over a century
ago, famous American author Herman Melville attributed these words
to the City’s towering edifice: "Great Washington stands
aloft on his towering mainmast in Baltimore, and like one of
Hercules’ pillars, his column marks that point of human grandeur
beyond which few mortals will go."
Strength permitting, Visitors can
climb the monument's 228 steps to the top for an interesting view of the
City. Although the monument is somewhat visually
intriguing, it can be viewed at a distance from different parts of
the City and it will most likely turn up in much of your touring
as it lies in the heart of Mt. Vernon Place on Charles St.
Moreover, a far better bird’s-eye view of the City is offered at
the Top Of The World (World Trade
Center, Inner
Harbor).
The George Washington Monument is
the kind of attraction that should be visited en route to other,
more provocative sites. For example, surrounding the Monument,
located in the historical Mount Vernon district, are several of
Baltimore’s most popular attractions. For example, just a block
or two west of the Monument is the Maryland Historical
Society, a
fascinating 3-floor, museum/art gallery that features authentic
artifacts and historical information of the people and events that
had the greatest impact on Maryland, and the country as well.
Adjacent to the MHS is Antique Row, a cluster of antique shops
offering patrons some hard to find collectibles. And just down the
street -- on the corner of the square actually -- south of the
Monument is Walters Art Gallery, one of the most unique art
galleries in the state. There are also many other landmarks
contiguous to the Monument that note the residences of some of
America’s most famed authors, such as: F. Scott Fitzgerald, John
Pendleton, and Francis Scott Key.
The best means of getting to the
Washington Monument if you’re coming from the Harbor is either
by your own private vehicle, taxi or on foot (we suggest walking). Just find Charles and
Monument Streets and you’re there. -- Michael Rando
WASHINGTON
MONUMENT 
ATTRACTIONS
