There is no mistaking the elegant yet powerful beauty of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.Architect Robert Mills, in honor of the first U.S. President George Washington, designed the century plus obelisk in 1836.
Construction began on the 550-foot tall structure 12 years later--161 years ago--on July 4. Washington, D.C. is also the current home of featured jewelry designer Sandra Mardini.
