Washington Monument reopens after nearly 3 years

The Washington Monument is reopening to the public, 33 months after an earthquake damaged the 130-year-old stone obelisk.

After a morning ceremony, the 555-foot stone monument that was once the tallest structure in the world will reopen to visitors Monday afternoon.

In August 2011, the monument's white marble and mortar were cracked during an unusual 5.8-magnitude earthquake that sent visitors scrambling as debris fell. New exhibits have been installed, and visitors can once again ride an elevator to look out from the highest point in the nation's capital.

(AP)

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