Why is there a line on the Washington Monument?

Question

there is like this big line thing on the top of it and i want to know wat it is or means!!! i think its on near the top...........its on it somewhere. idk, just answer the question.

Answer 1

It was built with money from a society fundraiser.  They raised $88,000, began construction in 1836 but ran out of money at 152 feet and stopped construction.  It did not start again for 20 years due to money and the delay from the Civil War.  Then President Grant signed a bill to fund the monument and finish it and it was completed in 1984.

Answer 2

An aluminum lightning rod.  I am not a freemason so I do not know if it has meaning.

Answer 3

Maybe it is the observation area.