Standing tall at the western end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is a symbol of leadership, unity and one of the most defining periods in American history. Built to honor Abraham Lincoln’s role in guiding the nation through the Civil War, this neoclassical monument overlooks the Reflecting Pool, perfectly aligned with the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.
Key Takeaways The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922, 58 years after Lincoln’s death. The statue of Lincoln is 19 feet tall and weighs 175 tons. The memorial has 36 columns, each representing a state during Lincoln’s time. The number of steps leading to the memorial is 87, referencing Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
If you’re visiting on a teen tour, this site is a must-see. Before your trip to Washington, D.C., here are seven fun facts about the Lincoln Memorial to make your visit even more interesting.
7 Fun Facts About the Lincoln Memorial The Lincoln Memorial was built to honor the 16th president of the United States Construction started in 1914 under the Lincoln Memorial Commission Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address are inscribed on its walls The Lincoln Memorial is modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, with neoclassical elements The Lincoln Memorial overlooks the Reflecting Pool, linking it to the Washington Monument Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech on the memorial steps The Lincoln Memorial attracts over seven million visitors annually Lincoln Memorial Features and Descriptions
1. The Lincoln Memorial was built to honor the 16th president of the United States The Lincoln Memorial is a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. The memorial commemorates Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to preserve the Union. lincoln memorial, washington dc 2. Construction started in 1914 under the Lincoln Memorial Commission The Lincoln Memorial Commission was formed to ensure the project reflected President Lincoln’s legacy. Architect Henry Bacon designed the structure, though World War I caused delays that slowed completion to 1922. The memorial’s dedication ceremony was held on May 30, 1922, and attended by Lincoln’s surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln. Dr. Robert Russa Moton, a prominent African American leader, was invited to speak but was barred from sitting with his peers. 3. Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address are inscribed on its walls Visitors can read two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches inside the memorial, as both the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address are inscribed on the north and south walls. 4. The Lincoln Memorial is modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, with neoclassical elements Henry Bacon modeled the Lincoln Memorial after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece to convey the timelessness of democracy. It is one of the most recognizable American monuments.
In the top two photos we can see a similarity between the buildings details in the engraving style and columns. In the two bottom photos we see the buildings in full size showcasing their overall similar architecture.
5. The Lincoln Memorial overlooks the Reflecting Pool, linking it to the Washington Monument The Lincoln Memorial stands at the western end of the National Mall, overlooking the Reflecting Pool. The Reflecting Pool holds 6.75 million gallons of water and links the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. The Jefferson Memorial is a short 25-minute walk along the Potomac River. An aerial view of Washington, D.C., focusing on the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, with the Reflecting Pool in between. People ice skating and playing on the Reflecting Pool in 1955. Although this was a common activity back then, it is prohibited today due to safety reasons. 6. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech on the memorial steps On August 28, 1963, Atlanta native Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington in the fight for racial justice in the American Civil Rights Movement. Listen to Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in this video 7. The Lincoln Memorial attracts over seven million visitors annually The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most visited tourist sites in Washington, D.C., drawing over seven million people annually. It appears on the five-dollar bill and the penny. The memorial is open 24 hours a day, welcoming visitors from around the world. References: National Park Service: Lincoln Memorial Overview Library of Congress: Lincoln Memorial Dedication Records Smithsonian Magazine: Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington YouTube: People Warned Not to Skate on Reflecting Pools