Survey Work Begins at Proposed Site of 250-Foot Arch for Nation’s 250th Anniversary

Workers began preliminary surveys and geotechnical testing on Monday at Memorial Circle on the National Mall in Washington, the first physical step in evaluating the site for a proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch intended to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Part of the site was fenced off that day and pink survey flags were placed in the grass, according to images captured by AP photographers.

The survey work was disclosed in a court filing submitted Thursday in a federal lawsuit brought by a group of veterans and a historian seeking to block the project. The filing stated that the surveys and geotechnical testing “are being used to generate information that will assist Defendant National Park Service (NPS) in completing procedural prerequisites” that are part of the decision-making process.

It added that the National Park Service has not issued a final agency action authorizing construction of the arch and that the agency would provide at least 14 days’ notice before any construction work could begin if it authorizes the project. The plaintiffs had been notified of the survey work in advance, the filing said.

The proposed arch rises from four lions guarding its base to a torch held aloft by a Lady Liberty-like figure on top, flanked by two eagles, all gilded. The phrases “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” would be inscribed in gold lettering atop either side of the monument.

The design received early approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by President Trump.