The cornerstone of this monument was laid on the fiftieth anniversary of the battle (June 17, 1825), in the presence of a vast multitude of people.
Lafayette, then on a visit to the
United States, was present, and Daniel Webster delivered an oration.
The monument is an obelisk, and stands in the centre of the ground, on
Breed's Hill, included in the old breastwork.
Its sides are precisely parallel with those of the redoubt.
It is built of
Quincy granite, and is 221 feet in height.
The base of the obelisk is 30 feet square, and at the spring of the apex 15 feet. By a flight
[
447]
of 295 stone steps, within the obelisk, its top may be reached.
A chamber at the top has four windows, with iron shutters.
The monument was not completed until 1843, when, on June 17, it was dedicated in the presence of
President Tyler and his cabinet and a vast multitude of citizens.
The city of
Charlestown, subsequently annexed to
Boston, now surrounds the monument.
