The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic landmark located in Washington DC, dedicated to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. This impressive marble structure stands as a symbol of freedom, unity, and democracy, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States.
History of the Lincoln Memorial:
The Lincoln Memorial was built in the early 1900s, and construction was completed in 1922. The idea for the memorial came from a former Union soldier, Clark Mills, who had created a statue of Lincoln in 1865. The original statue was made of bronze and was located in front of the United States Capitol building.
In 1911, Congress approved the building of a more substantial memorial for Lincoln. The chosen location was the west end of the National Mall, overlooking the Potomac River.
Design of the Lincoln Memorial:
The Lincoln Memorial was designed by architect Henry Bacon and sculpted by Daniel Chester French. The exterior of the building is made of white marble and features 36 Doric columns, symbolizing the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death.
The interior of the memorial houses a 19-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln, which sits on a pedestal made of Tennessee marble. The statue is based on a cast of Lincoln’s face and hands, made by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Visiting the Lincoln Memorial:
The Lincoln Memorial is free to visit and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The best way to reach the memorial is by walking or biking, as parking can be challenging to find in the area.
Once inside the memorial, visitors can view the impressive statue of Lincoln, read the inscriptions of two of his most famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address, and take in the breathtaking view of the National Mall from the memorial’s steps.
The Lincoln Memorial is also the site of several significant events in American history. In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
In recent years, the Lincoln Memorial has also become a popular spot for protests and demonstrations, with thousands of people gathering there to exercise their right to free speech.
Conclusion:
The Lincoln Memorial is not only a stunning example of American architecture and artistry, but it also represents the values that are central to the American way of life, such as freedom, democracy, and unity. Visitors from around the world come to the memorial to pay their respects to one of the greatest presidents in American history and to be inspired by his words and deeds.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of this great country, the Lincoln Memorial is a must-visit destination. So, next time you find yourself in Washington DC, be sure to take a stroll down the National Mall and pay a visit to this iconic landmark.
