Washington Monument earthquake damage and repairs

The Washington Monument suffered significant structural damage during the August 23, 2011 Virginia earthquake, including large cracks in the marble and internal stairwell damage. The National Park Service closed the monument for stabilization and restoration work immediately after the quake. Repairs and structural reinforcement were completed and the monument reopened to visitors in 2014 after months of restoration and safety upgrades. The event and its visible cracking remain a documented instance of seismic impact on a major Capitol landmark.