Washington, D.C. – The National Park Service (NPS) has temporarily closed the Washington Monument in order to properly evaluate the structure following yesterday's earthquake. The Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials were closed for a short period of time as a precaution, but reopened to the public as of about 7:20 p.m. There were no injuries to any visitors from yesterday's quake.

The National Park Service reported that their inspection has revealed some cracking in the stones at the top of the Monument. The Park Service stated that they will have structural engineers evaluate the cracks today to determine the best way to repair the Monument before it is reopened. The Washington Monument grounds have been reopened except for an area about 100 feet outside of the plaza. There may be no concrete news as to when the structure will re-open, and may be closed for a considerable amount of time.

Standing at 555 feet, the Washington monument is a very visible and easily recognizable landmark for the Capitol. The monument is also the world’s tallest stone structure.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial are open. The Old Post Office Tower opened this morning at 9 a.m.