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Washington Monument Closed After Earthquake Causes Cracks

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A sign tells visitors during D.C.'s busy summer tourist season that the Washington Monument will be closed until further notice after this weeks' earthquake.
Markette Smith
A sign tells visitors during D.C.'s busy summer tourist season that the Washington Monument will be closed until further notice after this weeks' earthquake.

The Washington Monument is a fixture in the nation's capital, but after yesterday's 5.8-magnitude earthquake, it's closed due to cracks.

The monument is closed indefinitely due to structural damage sustained during yesterday's earthquake. The National Park Service reports cracks at the very top of the pyramid at the monument's tip.

There's some yellow tape outside the monument this morning as structural engineers are assessing the damage. The grounds around the obelisk structure have re-opened, except for a 100-foot perimeter around the building, according to NPS.

The monument is 127 years old and has survived catastrophes on the District before but experts aren't currently sure about the extent of this damage.

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