On December 6, 1884, the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., was finally completed. As early as 1783, the desire to build a tribute to Washington was expressed, but nothing was done until 1832, when a private society was founded to plan and fund a proper monument. The cornerstone was finally laid in 1848, but funds ran out and construction halted six years later. No further progress was made until 1876. The 555-foot high structure was not completed until 1884.