Only in Arkansas: Washington Monument Tribute
By: Wendy Suares, KARK 4 News
Updated: January 1, 2013
The Washington Monument is one of the most recognized and visited attractions in our nation's capital. But you don't have to travel to Washington DC to see something like it. A Jacksonville family has created their own tribute.
"I think people that drive by it and see it are quite taken with it," said Mike Wilson.
Wilson and his brother are responsible for this striking structure, which sits on a small island in the middle of a pond on the family's Jacksonville property.
"The monument is a scale model of the Washington Monument," said Wilson.
It's around 3 stories tall, made of aluminum. Getting it in place and bolted down into 10-thousand pounds of concrete took a team of friends and neighbors helping out.
"We got out there on the island, floated it out there on boats, and then with ropes and strength, we were able to put it up," he said.
It's a quirky project that required a lot of work. So why do it? Wilson said it's partly to say thanks to members of the military past and present. The monument was erected this past Veteran's Day.
Wilson said, "We tried to make it coincide with the Veteran's day celebration somewhat and it worked out."
Wilson said neighbors are pleased with the result. He's hopeful the structure's sturdy construction will allow future generations to enjoy it as well.
"I hope it'll be there for a long time."
If you want to drive by and see it for yourself, the scaled-down monument is at the corner of Highway 161 and Military Road in Jacksonville.
"I think people that drive by it and see it are quite taken with it," said Mike Wilson.
Wilson and his brother are responsible for this striking structure, which sits on a small island in the middle of a pond on the family's Jacksonville property.
"The monument is a scale model of the Washington Monument," said Wilson.
It's around 3 stories tall, made of aluminum. Getting it in place and bolted down into 10-thousand pounds of concrete took a team of friends and neighbors helping out.
"We got out there on the island, floated it out there on boats, and then with ropes and strength, we were able to put it up," he said.
It's a quirky project that required a lot of work. So why do it? Wilson said it's partly to say thanks to members of the military past and present. The monument was erected this past Veteran's Day.
Wilson said, "We tried to make it coincide with the Veteran's day celebration somewhat and it worked out."
Wilson said neighbors are pleased with the result. He's hopeful the structure's sturdy construction will allow future generations to enjoy it as well.
"I hope it'll be there for a long time."
If you want to drive by and see it for yourself, the scaled-down monument is at the corner of Highway 161 and Military Road in Jacksonville.
