Elevator Stops, Visitors Forced to Take Stairs at Washington Monument

Visitors to the Washington Monument got a little extra time to take in the view from on high Monday afternoon after the elevator to the top stopped and they were forced to take 897 steps to the bottom.

Sgt. David Schlosser, spokesman for the U.S. Park Police, said the elevator broke about 1 p.m. and a "handful" of people had to walk down. "There were no injuries and no one got sick," Schlosser said.

The elevator holds about 25 people.

Schlosser said those walking down the steps would have a chance to see the inner walls of the white marble structure that contains 189 carved memorial stones from various cities, states and countries, as well as individuals.

Visitors also would be able to see the point where construction was halted on the monument in 1858; the stones above 152 feet are darker in color compared with the originals.