Washington Monument

Billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein has donated $7.5 million in matching funds to repair earthquake damage to one of America's most iconic structures, the Washington Monument.

A closer inspection of the Washington Monument in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake has revealed cracks in the uppermost section of the monument, prompting the National Park Service to call in structural engineers with expertise in earthquake engineering to assess the damage.

Engineers are taking another look at the Washington Monument today to determine whether any cracks caused by Tuesday's earthquake created structural problems with the iconic monument in Washington, D.C.

The nation's front yard, frayed, rutted, and overwhelmed by millions of feet and years of neglect, is going to be given a much-needed makeover if the Interior Department can figure out how to raise at least $650 million, and likely quite a bit more.

It’s George Washington’s Birthday, so let’s take a (somewhat lighthearted) statistical look at his most famous monument. I’m betting that there’s at least one number in here that will surprise, shock, or delight you. The best is saved for last.

With crowds predicted to number three-four million or more, the National Park Service is scrambling to accommodate the largest event in its history.

The event in American history prior to the Civil War that had the most potential to inspire the preservation of historic places was the American Revolution. Yet, between the Revolution and the Civil War, historic site preservation in America was limited and sporadic.

Where, and when, did Americans first think of preserving places for history's sake? In part two of his look at the history and preservation of America's Civil War battlefields, historian Richard West Sellars takes a look at efforts in the United States to preserve places of history prior to the Civil War.