Answer:
The plans for Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, always included space reserved for honoring George Washington. But it was not until after Washington's death that funds were raised to begin such an undertaking. The Washington National Monument Society sought both money and designs, with Robert Mills submitting the winning idea.
As a nod to the Society's challenge for a monument that would be 'unparalleled in the world,' Mills looked to the ancient Egyptians, who are world-famous for their architectural achievements. An obelisk is a tapered column that, in an ancient Egyptian symbolism, represents the place from which the world was created. It's symbolically related to the sun and the cycle of rebirth, with attention paid to the obelisk's position on Earth so that the rising and setting sun brighten its top. Obelisks were erected to honor kings and gods, so an obelisk was a fitting choice to show deference to the father of the country.
I think this should be good.