Americans celebrate the re-opening of the Washington Monument

Nearly three years after being damaged by an earthquake, the Washington Monument is once again open to the public.

In 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake sent vibrations all the way to the top of the famous obelisk, now 130 years old. The Associated Press reports that engineers spent almost 1,000 days repairing the monument's more than 150 cracks. In addition to the repairs, the monument also includes new exhibits at the top.

Tickets to visit the monument are booked through June, but die-hard fans showed their support for the landmark at its opening today, colonial dress and all. Here are a few images from the festivities. --Meghan DeMaria

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