The Lincoln Memorial is a national monument built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the structure was designed by architect Henry Bacon and features a large seated sculpture of Lincoln created by Daniel Chester French.
Inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, the memorial is constructed primarily of Colorado Yule marble and features 36 Doric columns, representing the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. Since its dedication in 1922, the site has served as a significant venue for public gatherings and civil rights demonstrations, most notably the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Colorado Yule marble, Georgia marble, Pink Tennessee marble, Indiana limestone
- Civilization
- United States
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible via elevator
- Date(s)
- 1914-1922
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active public monument
- Original Function
- Presidential memorial
- Key Figures
- Abraham Lincoln, Henry Bacon, Daniel Chester French, Jules Guerin
Planning and Design
1901-1913The McMillan Commission proposed the site as part of a broader plan to revitalize the National Mall. Congress authorized the construction in 1911, selecting Henry Bacon as the architect. His design was chosen for its classical aesthetic, intended to evoke the stability of the American republic.
Construction
1914-1922Groundbreaking occurred in 1914. The structure was built on reclaimed land from the Potomac River, requiring massive concrete foundations to support the weight of the marble. The memorial was officially dedicated on May 30, 1922, in a ceremony attended by Robert Todd Lincoln, the president's only surviving son.
Civil Rights Landmark
1939-1963The memorial became a focal point for the American Civil Rights Movement. In 1939, Marian Anderson performed on the steps after being denied a venue at Constitution Hall. In 1963, the site hosted the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech from the steps.
Cultural Significance
The Lincoln Memorial stands as a symbol of national unity and the struggle for civil rights. Its association with the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union makes it one of the most visited sites in the United States. The memorial is frequently used as a backdrop for political discourse and peaceful protest, reinforcing its role as a living monument to democratic ideals.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Debates often center on the interpretation of the memorial's classical architecture. Some scholars argue that the use of Greek temple forms was intended to align American democracy with the intellectual heritage of antiquity, while others critique the exclusion of African American perspectives in the original design and the subsequent appropriation of the space for civil rights activism.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Entry is free. Park rangers are on duty to provide information and assistance.
Best Times to Visit
Early morning or late evening to avoid large tour groups and midday heat. The memorial is particularly striking when illuminated at night.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted. Commercial photography and filming require a permit from the National Park Service.
Nearby POIs
16 shown- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial0.6 km
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum1.2 km
- Washington Monument1.3 km
- Jefferson Memorial1.5 km
- White House1.5 km
- National Museum of African American History and Culture1.5 km
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History1.8 km
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History2.1 km
Sources & Further Reading
- [1]The Lincoln Memorial: A Historical Guide — National Park Service. U.S. Department of the Interior (2020)View
- [2]The Architecture of the Lincoln Memorial — Christopher A. Thomas. Princeton University Press (2002)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Colorado Yule marble, Georgia marble, Pink Tennessee marble, Indiana limestone
- Civilization
- United States
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible via elevator