The Washington Monument is dedicated on February…

The Washington Monument is dedicated on February 21, 1885.

Over eight hundred people attend to hear speeches by Ohio Senator John Sherman, William Wilson Corcoran (of the Washington National Monument Society), Thomas Lincoln Casey of the Army Corps of Engineers and US President Chester Arthur.

After the speeches, General William Tecumseh Sherman leads a procession, which includes the dignitaries and the crowd, to the east main entrance of the Capitol building, where President Arthur receives passing troops.

Then, in the House Chamber, the president, his Cabinet, diplomats and others listen to Representative John Davis Long read a speech given thirty-seven years earlier at the laying of the cornerstone.

A final speech is given by Virginia governor John W. Daniel.

At the time of its completion, it is the tallest building in the world, and it remains the tallest stone structure in the world.