The Lincoln Memorial is one of my favorite memorials to visit in DC and is also one of the city’s most popular. It is open 24 hours as you can see by my pictures – they were taken at various times of the day/evening.
The Lincoln Memorial was built by Henry Bacon and the sculptor of the statue was created by Daniel Chester French. Construction was completed in 1922.
When you visit, you’ll notice the 36 columns which make up the outside of the building. These columns represent the 36 US states (including the 11 that seceded) that were established before Lincoln died. The names of the 48 states are carved on the exterior walls (you can see them above the columns in the photo below) with Alaska and Hawaii being later added on a commerative plaque.
It’s a long way to the top as there are 98 steps in front of the building leading up to the entrance. There is said to be no particular significance to the number of steps.
The steps of the Lincoln Memorial is a place of historical significance, however, as it is where Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed the nation with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.
Directly in front of the memorial is the reflecting pool which is 2,029 feet long and 167 feet wide and is 18 inches deep. It holds approximately 6,750,000 gallons of water.
The impressive exterior of the building is matched by the simplistic elegance found inside. Upon entering through the main doorway, you are greeted by the larger-than-life statue of Abraham Lincoln. It stands at almost 20 feet tall and 19 feet wide.
The statue shows Lincoln seated on a throne as he stares out over the reflecting pool.
On the wall behind him are written the words:
“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, from the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”
Sculpted beneath his hands are the Roman fasces which are the symbols of authority in the Republic.
There is a popular legend that sculptor Daniel Chester French carved Lincoln’s hands so that they were signing his initials AL. (The left hand, below, is said to be signing the “L” with the right hand, above, signing the “A”.) This legend may be based on the fact that French had a deaf son and was knowledgable in sign language.
To the south of the statue is this wall which includes an inscription of the Gettysburg Address. Written on the north wall (not pictured here) is Lincoln’s second inaugural address. Two murals are also found on the walls, one depicting the freeing of a slave and the other is of an angel who represents truth.
(the above photo taken from wikipedia)
This concludes our tour of the Lincoln Memorial. There is also a book store located upstairs and a small exhibit located downstairs. I highly recommend stopping by for a visit when you’re in town. And definitely bring your camera!
Sources: Wikipedia and National Park Services
Images by Tabitha (unless otherwise noted)
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