Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is among the most prominent monuments found in Washington, D.C. Located at the west end of the National Mall, this memorial building pays homage to President Abraham Lincoln, a man who rescued the Union from disintegration during the Civil War. It's a historic landmark, reflective center, and place of importance to the nation that welcomes millions of people every year. Here is everything you have to know about the Lincoln Memorial-from history to its highlights.

 

Location of the Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is located at the western end of the National Mall, within walking distance from other great attractions like the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. This has placed it among the most visited attractions in Washington, D.C., as it is easy to access for visitors and locals.

 

What to Know 

This beautiful memorial is dedicated to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, who was remembered for his leadership in the Civil War and in the emancipation of African Americans. The memorial shows a gigantic statue of Lincoln sitting in contemplation to symbolize his profound influence on the nation.

 

The sculpture was designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French, and the interior has two inscriptions of Lincoln's most famous speeches: the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address. The Memorial has 36 columns, which represent the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death, made from Tennessee marble and providing a breathtaking architectural backdrop.

 

 

History of the Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated on May 30, 1922. Architect Henry Bacon designed it. It is inspired by ancient Greek temples and was specifically chosen to reflect the ideals of democracy and freedom that Lincoln championed.

 

This statue of Abraham Lincoln, created by sculptor French and his team, stands at 19 feet tall and is made from Georgia white marble. The figure of Lincoln is very impressive; he sits with a serene, serious expression, looking out across the Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument and the National World War II Memorial.

 

How to Get There

The Lincoln Memorial is centrally located on the National Mall, making it easily accessible on foot from most other monuments in Washington, D.C. It's only a short walk from the Washington Monument and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It can also be reached by public transportation; take the Washington Metro to the Foggy Bottom-GWU station. For those who come by car, there are several parking options in the vicinity, although these may be scarce, especially during peak tourist seasons.

 

Best Time to Visit 

The Lincoln Memorial is open 24 hours a day, allowing visitors to experience its grandeur at any time. However, the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences for crowd levels, weather, and the kind of experience you're seeking.

 

For those who prefer the least crowded, early morning and late evening are excellent times. It is even better to reach the memorial just before sunrise or at sundown when there are minimal crowds around, and thus one can view the monument in a peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, the morning sun gives a very beautiful glow to the statue of Abraham Lincoln, and the evening offers spectacular views of the memorial lit up against the night sky, a view which is different from that in the daytime.

 

In the peak summer months, the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial can get crowded with tourists. In case you are visiting during such a time, it would be best to plan your visit either early in the morning or later in the evening when crowds have thinned. Spring and fall, particularly April to May and September to November, are also great times to visit. These seasons are also gentle so it is not hard to tour around the place without getting the scorching heat of summer and the cold of winter.

 

The significance of the memorial in different events that take place in a year is another vital consideration. If you want to view the memorial in the American history context, you can consider visiting during the important dates, like Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15) or Memorial Day (last Monday in May). These times are often marked with special events, ceremonies, or gatherings at the Lincoln Memorial to remember civil rights and military service, respectively.

 

Highlights 

The Lincoln Memorial is not just an architectural wonder; it is a site full of historical and symbolic significance. Here are the key highlights that make this monument one of the most beloved landmarks in Washington, D.C.

 

The Statue of Abraham Lincoln:

The heart of the Lincoln Memorial is the impressive statue of Abraham Lincoln, which stands 19 feet tall and sits in a contemplative pose. Created by sculptor Daniel Chester French, the statue is made from Georgia white marble and is perhaps one of the most photographed and recognized sculptures in the world. The statue conveys Lincoln’s solemnity and wisdom as he gazes out across the National Mall, symbolizing his enduring impact on the nation.

 

The Inscriptions of Lincoln’s Speeches:

On the Memorial’s inner walls, you’ll find two of President Lincoln’s most famous speeches: the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address. The Gettysburg Address, delivered in 1863, is inscribed on the south wall, while the Second Inaugural Address is on the north wall. These powerful words reflect Lincoln’s vision for a united nation and his commitment to freedom and equality. Standing before these words, visitors are reminded of the moral and philosophical foundation of the United States.

 

The Reflecting Pool:

Directly in front of the Lincoln Memorial is the iconic Reflecting Pool, which stretches from the Memorial all the way to the Washington Monument. The calm waters of the pool mirror the majestic monument and the statue of Lincoln, creating a breathtaking view, especially at sunrise or sunset. The pool also provides a tranquil space for visitors to pause and reflect, further enhancing the Memorial’s serene and contemplative atmosphere.

 

The View of the National Mall:

The location of the Lincoln Memorial offers stunning views of the entire National Mall. Standing on the steps of the memorial, you can look down the Mall and see the Washington Monument in the distance, with the World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial to the sides. The expansive layout of the Mall provides a perfect backdrop for the memorial, allowing visitors to see the symbolic connections between these landmarks and the nation’s history.

 

The Architectural Design:

The design of the Lincoln Memorial, created by architect Henry Bacon, is inspired by the classical Greek style of architecture, with 36 Doric columns representing the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death. The Memorial’s neoclassical style, with its grand scale and open, airy space, evokes feelings of democracy and freedom, values that Abraham Lincoln fought to preserve. The materials used in construction, such as Tennessee marble for the columns and Georgia white marble for the statue, add to the grandeur and durability of the structure.

 

Historical Significance:

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Lincoln Memorial is a significant site in American history, particularly for its association with the Civil Rights Movement. It was at the steps of this memorial that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This speech, calling for racial equality and justice, forever linked the Lincoln Memorial to the struggle for civil rights and has made it a place of pilgrimage for those seeking to honor that legacy.

 

The Gettysburg Address Connection:

The inscription of the Gettysburg Address at the Memorial is a poignant reminder of Lincoln’s role in shaping the future of the United States. Delivered in 1863 during the American Civil War, this address redefined the nation’s ideals of liberty and equality. Standing before this inscription allows visitors to reflect on the themes of freedom, unity, and equality that continue to resonate in the country’s ongoing struggles for civil rights and social justice.

 

Conclusion

The Lincoln Memorial is much more than just a historical monument; it is a strong symbol of the ideals that have shaped the United States. Whether you are visiting to pay respects to the 16th president or simply to admire the stunning architecture, this memorial gives you a glimpse into the nation's soul. The Lincoln Memorial's attractive setting at the west end of the National Mall, as well as the long and storied past behind its construction and links with American civil rights, truly do make the statue an embodiment of American liberty, national unity, and spirit that never disappears.