Miniature Washington Monument Replica (Gone)
Mount Vernon, Illinois
In a city named Mount Vernon, on Potomac Blvd, it's clear that the obelisk is meant to be a downsized replica of the Washington Monument. It was built as the focal point of Potomac Park Village, a "mixed use" development of hotels, restaurants, offices, etc. at the junction of Interstates 57 and 64.
The monument does a good job of catching the eye -- it might be 100 feet tall -- but the absence of accompanying signage leaves visitors puzzled.
While we snapped photos, a man had to drag away his screaming child, frustrated that there was no door to get inside so that they could climb the thing.