The project or design of the work is an obelisk 550 feet in height,
faced with white marble mid hacked with dressed granite rock. Of this
structure 156 feet is already finished.
The base of the Monument is 55 feet square, the top will be 34 feet 6
inches square, and it will be crowned with a pyramidion, or roof, 50
feet in height.
The proportions of the parts of this obelisk are in exact accordance
with the classic proportions of parts of this style of architecture, as
determined after careful research by the Hon. George P. Marsh, American
Minister at Rome.
The shaft, as proportioned, both in dimensions and weight, will be
entirely stable as against winds that could exert a pressure of one
hundred pounds or more per square foot upon any face of the structure.
The project includes the preparation of the foundation so as to enable
it to carry this structure. This preparation, or strengthening, consists
in making the existing foundation wider and deeper, in order to
distribute the weight over a greater area, and in bringing upon each
square foot of the earth pressed no greater weight then it is known to
be able to sustain.