1849 Washington National Monument Certificate

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1849 Washington National Monument Certificate

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Sold Date: 08/01/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

You are bidding on an Original Donation Certificate for the construction of the Wahsington National Monument located in Washington, DC.

The document is in very good condition, though t is a slight tear about a half an inch long at the top middle due to being folded and stored in an old bible from 1840.

The Washington National Monument is one of the United States Most Historical and Symbolic structures in Washington, DC, and is one of the tallest masonry structures in the world.

Its cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848; the capstone was set on December 6, 1884, and the completed monument was dedicated on February 21, 1885. It officially opened to the public on October 9, 1888. Upon completion, it became the world's tallest structure, a title it inherited from the Cologne Cathedral and held until 1889, when the Eiffel Tower was finished in Paris, France.

The Washington Monument reflection can be seen in the aptly named Reflecting Pool, a rectangular pool extending to the west, towards the Lincoln Memorial. The certificate bears the pre-printed signature of President Zachary Taylor, the 22nd President of the United States, 12th under the United States Constitution.

President Zachary Taylor's greatest achievement during his administration was in foreign affairs. John M. Clayton, Secretary of State, arranged in 1850 the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty with Great Britain. This was in an effort to end British encroachments in Central America and paved the way for the building of the Panama Canal over a half-century later.

After ceremonies to lay the cornerstone of the Washington Monument on July 4, 1850, Taylor became sick from the heat with cholera and died five days later on July 9, 1850. He was the second President to die while in office. Zachary Taylor was buried near Louisville, Kentucky in what is now Zachary Taylor National Cemetery.

The certificate also bears the pre-printed names of George Watterston and Elisha Wittlesey.

George Watterson was a librarian, born in New York city, 23 October, 1783; died in Washington. D. C., 4 February, 1854. He was educated at Charlotte Hall college, St. Mary's county, Maryland, studied law, and followed his profession m Maryland and in the District of Columbia. In 1814 he served in the defence of Washington against the British, and in March, 1815, was appointed the first librarian of congress, which place he held until 1829. He was also secretary to the National Washington monument association from its inception. He was the author of numerous books, including "Letters from Washington" (Washington, 1818) ; "Course of Study preparatory to the Bar or the Senate" (1823); and "The Wanderer in Washington" (1827).

Elisha Whittlesey was a lawyer, born in Washington, Connecticut, 19 October, 1783; died in Washington, D. C., 7 January, 1863. He was brought up on a farm, received an academical education, studied law, and on his admission to the bar began practice in Canfield, Ohio, in 1806. He served as an aide-de-camp during the war of 1812-15, was for sixteen years prosecuting attorney of his district, a member of the Ohio state house of representatives in 1820-'1, and served in congress from Ohio by successive elections from 1 December, 1823, till 9 July, 1838, when he resigned, fie was one of the founders of the Whig party, was appointed by President Harrison in 1841 auditor of the post-office department, and by President Taylor in 1849 first comptroller of the treasury, from which post he was removed by President Buchanan in 1857, but ha was reappointed by President Lincoln in 1861, and held office till "his death. In 1845 he was appointed general agent and director of the Washington national monument association, and contributed greatly to the success of that enterprise.

Though the names are somewhat difficult to determine, E.D. Chisbrough, Esquire, donated One Dollar for the erection of the Washington National Monument and for membership in the Washington National Monument Society, which was signed by JP. E. Woodworth, agent.

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