The Washington Monument was dedicated February 21st, 1885 with a military and civic parade, Masonic ceremonies, and addresses at the base of the obelisk by Senator John Sherman (Chairman of the Monument Commission), William W. Corcoran (First Vice-President of the Washington National Monument Society), and Chief Engineer Thomas Lincoln Casey.  The Marshall of the Day was Lieutenant General Philip H. Sheridan.   President Chester A. Arthur accepted the Monument on behalf of the people and declared it dedicated to the memory of George Washington.  The dedication was followed with orations in the hall of the House of Representatives by Robert C. Winthrop of Massachusetts (the address was read by Gov. John Davis Long due to Winthrop’s failing health) and John W. Daniel of Virginia in eulogy of the life and character of Washington.

The 72-½” x 63” bronze plaque was washed with non-ionic detergent and low-pressure water to remove general soiling.  Corrosion products were removed from the plaque using air-abrasive blasting with crushed walnut shell blast media.  The plaque was washed again using non-ionic detergent and low-pressure water.  After cleaning, two coats of hot microcrystalline wax were applied to the bronze surface.  The surface buffed using horsehair brushes.

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