Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial)

Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial)
source
Name	Lincoln Memorial
Caption	The Lincoln Memorial viewed from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Location	National Mall, Washington, D.C., United States
Designer	Henry Bacon (architect), Daniel Chester French (sculptor)
Material	Yule marble, Indiana limestone
Length	189.7 ft (57.8 m)
Width	118.5 ft (36.1 m)
Height	99 ft (30 m)
Began	February 12, 1914
Dedicated	May 30, 1922
Visitors	Approximately 7.8 million (annually)
Governing body	National Park Service

Abraham Lincoln (Lincoln Memorial). The Lincoln Memorial is a national monument in Washington, D.C. built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Situated at the western end of the National Mall, the iconic structure was designed by architect Henry Bacon and features a monumental seated sculpture of Lincoln by Daniel Chester French. Administered by the National Park Service, the memorial has served as a symbolic backdrop for pivotal events in American history, including the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

Design and architecture

The memorial's design was created by architect Henry Bacon, who drew inspiration from classical Greek architecture, specifically the Parthenon in Athens. Constructed primarily of gleaming Yule marble from Colorado, the structure measures 189.7 feet long, 118.5 feet wide, and stands 99 feet tall. Its exterior is defined by 36 fluted Doric order columns, each representing one of the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The building's framework is supported by a foundation of concrete and its roof system is made of Indiana limestone. The overall aesthetic reflects the American Renaissance movement and the City Beautiful movement, emphasizing grandeur and democratic ideals through neoclassical forms.

Dedication and history

The memorial's construction was authorized by the United States Congress in 1911, with the cornerstone laid in 1915 and the structure dedicated on May 30, 1922. The dedication ceremony was presided over by former President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft, who headed the Lincoln Memorial Commission. Key speakers included President Warren G. Harding and Lincoln's sole surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Throughout its history, the site has been a focal point for national gatherings, most notably the 1939 Marian Anderson concert and the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It has been maintained by the National Park Service since 1933 and was designated a contributing property to the National Mall's listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Symbolism and cultural impact

The Lincoln Memorial symbolizes the unity of the nation, the preservation of the Union, and the ideals of freedom and equality championed by Lincoln. Its prominent role in the Civil Rights Movement, especially as the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic address, cemented its status as a "temple of democracy." The memorial frequently appears in media, from the United States penny to films like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Forrest Gump. It serves as a powerful venue for protests, celebrations, and presidential events, including inaugural celebrations and addresses by figures like Barack Obama. Its image is globally recognized, representing both American Civil War memory and ongoing struggles for civil and political rights.

Inscriptions and interior

The interior chamber is dominated by the 19-foot tall marble statue of Abraham Lincoln sculpted by Daniel Chester French, who was assisted by the Piccirilli Brothers studio. Flanking the statue are inscriptions of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address, etched into the Indiana limestone walls. Above the speeches, large murals by painter Jules Guérin allegorically depict principles of unity, charity, and emancipation. The ceiling features bronze girders adorned with laurel and oak motifs, and the floor is made of Tennessee marble. Engraved on the wall above the statue is the epitaph: "IN THIS TEMPLE / AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE / FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION / THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN / IS ENSHRINED FOREVER."

Location and setting

The memorial is strategically positioned at the western terminus of the National Mall's central axis, directly aligned with the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol. It overlooks the nearly 2,000-foot-long Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which visually connects it to the World War II Memorial and the Washington Monument. The site is part of the larger National Mall and Memorial Parks administrative unit. Flanking approaches include the Potomac River, Arlington Memorial Bridge leading to Arlington National Cemetery, and Rock Creek Park. This setting within the capital's monumental core ensures its continuous integration into national ceremonies and public discourse.

Category:Monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. Category:National Memorials of the United States Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1922