Washington Monument Damaged In Earthquake

(Washington, DC)  — The magnitude 5.8 earthquake that jolted Virginia and other parts of the East Coast apparently damaged one of Washington, DC’s iconic structures.   A helicopter inspection of the Washington Monument revealed cracking in the stones at the top of the monument.  Members of the Cross family were inside the monument at the very top when the quake hit.  They say they felt the iconic obelisk sway back and forth  —  a scary moment for everyone who was inside. 

The National Park Service says structural engineers will figure out the best way to make repairs before the all-clear is given to reopen it.  The grounds are open except for an area approximately a hundred feet outside the plaza. 

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