Washington Monument Reopens In Time For Independence Day
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Five years in the making. Saturday, the Washington Monument was reopened just in time for Independence Day.
Tracey Leong was there for the big celebration.
There are a couple of rules for climbing the Washington Monument: you can't be afraid of the dark and you can't be afraid of heights; it's 15 stories tall and dramatically lit to recreate what it was like to climb it with a candle--what they did more than 200 years ago.
A little rain didn't get in the way of a "Monumental Bicentennial" celebration.
"In all this rain, we are showing that the tenacity and spirit of Baltimore remains strong," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Two hundred years after Mount Vernon's Washington Monument cornerstone was laid, the national historic landmark was rededicated.
"Stood the test of time and it's here for us now," said visitor David Patterson.
It's the first monument to honor George Washington. The reopening celebrates a significant time in history.
"It just shows how important everything that George Washington stood for and for the founders of our country," said bicentennial co-chair Faith Millspaugh.
"Just glad to be a part of history, and it was a great day in Baltimore," said Al Peteraf.
And after waiting five years, the public can once again walk through the iconic landmark that finishes the tour by overlooking Charm City.
"It's a great view of the city, and it's just exciting to know you can still walk 227 steps at my age," said Suzanne Chadwick-Peteraf.
Standing tall after all these years, representing the resilience Baltimore exemplifies.
"We will come together, we will continue to push for progress in our city," the mayor said. "And I think this monument really speaks to that spirit."
If you'd like to make the climb, it will cost you $5. They're open four days a week.
On Thursday, they're open from 4-9 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, they're open from noon to 5.