Lincoln Memorial - Washington D.C.

A monument in Washington, D.C. commemorating the 16th president of the US, Abraham Lincoln, and his virtues like tolerance, honesty, and constancy.

The designer of the Lincoln Memorial, who drew inspiration from the Parthenon, a famous temple in Greece.

The original controversy surrounding the selection of the location for the Lincoln Memorial - the speaker of the House, Joseph Cannon, opposed its building in a swampy area.

A significant event during which the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated, attended by notable figures.

The president of the US who delivered a speech during the Lincoln Memorial's dedication ceremony.

The practice of segregating African Americans during the Lincoln Memorial's dedication ceremony, despite Lincoln's legacy of emancipation.

The number of columns surrounding the Lincoln Memorial, each representing a state in the Union when Lincoln died.

A 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln, made of marble and located inside the memorial.

Two famous speeches of Abraham Lincoln, inscribed on the walls of the Lincoln Memorial, including his Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address.

Two large paintings by Jules Guerin on the ceiling of the Lincoln Memorial, depicting historical themes related to Lincoln's life and achievements.

The Lincoln Memorial is a monument in Washington, D.C., honoring Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.

The monument was designed by Henry Bacon, inspired by the architectural style of the Parthenon in Athens.

Originally, the proposed location for the memorial caused controversy, as Speaker of the House Joseph Cannon objected to building it in a swampy area.

The memorial was dedicated in 1922, with notable figures like President Warren G. Harding and Chief Justice William Howard Taft giving speeches.

Despite Lincoln's role as the "Great Emancipator", the dedication ceremony was segregated, showcasing the ongoing racial inequalities of the era.

The memorial features 36 columns of Colorado marble, each representing a state in the US at the time of Lincoln's death.

Inside the memorial is a 19-foot-tall marble statue of Lincoln, designed by Daniel Chester French and carved by the Piccirilli brothers.

Inscribed on the walls of the memorial are Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address.

Two paintings by Jules Guerin, "Reunion and Progress" and "Emancipation of a Race", grace the ceiling of the memorial.

The Lincoln Memorial is positioned along the National Mall, serving as a landmark at the western end, creating a direct east-west axis with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol.

The monument's location in a swampy area initially sparked controversy due to opposition from Speaker of the House Joseph Cannon.

Dedicated on May 30, 1922, the Lincoln Memorial's ceremony featured speeches by figures like President Warren G. Harding and Chief Justice William Howard Taft.

Despite Lincoln's legacy of emancipation, the dedication ceremony was segregated, a stark contrast to Lincoln's commitment to equality.

The Lincoln Memorial boasts 36 columns, each representing a state in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death.

Inside the memorial, a seated statue of Lincoln, 19 feet tall and made of marble, was designed by Daniel Chester French and carved by the Piccirilli brothers.

Two important speeches by Lincoln, the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address, are inscribed on the memorial's walls.

The ceiling of the Lincoln Memorial features two large paintings by Jules Guerin: 'Reunion and Progress' and 'Emancipation of a Race.'

The Lincoln Memorial is situated at the western end of the National Mall, forming a symbolic axis with the Washington Monument and the US Capitol.

The Lincoln Memorial features 36 columns, each representing a state in the Union when Lincoln died.

The Lincoln Memorial's central chamber houses a statue of Lincoln seated in contemplation. The statue was designed by Daniel Chester French and carved by the Piccirilli brothers.

The Lincoln Memorial's design incorporates symbolic elements like fasces, eagles, wreaths, and inscriptions. Each inscription is accompanied by a mural depicting principles essential to Lincoln's legacy.

The Lincoln Memorial is anchored by a concrete foundation and encompassed by a rectangular granite retaining wall.

The Lincoln Memorial's grand entrance leads up to the main portal with a series of steps. Flanking the entrance are two buttresses crowned with tripods.

The Lincoln Memorial's interior is divided into three chambers, with two rows of four Ionic columns. The central chamber contains Lincoln's statue, while the surrounding chambers display inscriptions and murals.

The ceiling of the Lincoln Memorial is composed of bronze girders with laurel and oak leaves, topped by Alabama marble panels.

The Lincoln Memorial's statue of Lincoln is made of Georgia white marble and was shipped in 28 pieces. It took four years to complete.

The Lincoln Memorial is situated at the western end of the National Mall, forming a direct east-west axis with the Washington Monument and US Capitol.

The Lincoln Memorial Commission, formed in 1911, faced opposition regarding the design and location. Some criticized the Greek temple design as inappropriate for Lincoln's humble character, suggesting a simpler log cabin instead. The swampy Potomac Park site was also disputed, with alternatives proposed like Washington Union Station. However, the commission defended their choice, emphasizing the symbolism of the site on the axis connecting the Washington Monument and Capitol, overlooking the Potomac River. The site alignment with the McMillan Plan further strengthened their case.

The construction of the Lincoln Memorial began in March 1914, following a groundbreaking ceremony in February. The project adhered to a schedule despite some adjustments. The statue of Lincoln was enlarged from 10 to 19 feet to balance the vastness of the chamber. An open portal replaced the initial bronze and glass grille intended for the entrance.

The Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated on May 30, 1922, with Chief Justice William H. Taft presiding over the event. President Warren G. Harding accepted the memorial on behalf of the American people. Lincoln's surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln, was present. Despite Lincoln's legacy of emancipation, the event was segregated, with African Americans assigned a separate section guarded by Marines.

The Lincoln Memorial has become a significant stage for the Civil Rights Movement. Marian Anderson performed on the steps of the memorial in 1939, after being denied access to Constitution Hall due to racial discrimination. Harry Truman delivered a speech at the memorial in 1947, advocating for civil rights legislation. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 featured Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, solidifying the memorial's association with the fight for equality.

The March on Washington in 1963 brought 250,000 people to the National Mall, culminating in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech delivered at the Lincoln Memorial. Labor leader Walter Reuther persuaded organizers to shift the location from the Capitol Building, believing it would be less threatening to Congress and more symbolically appropriate under the gaze of Lincoln's statue. The D.C. police favored the location due to its water-surrounded perimeter, allowing easy containment of any potential issues.

The exterior of the Lincoln Memorial resembles a classic Greek temple, showcasing Yule marble from Colorado. The structure measures 189.7 by 118.5 feet and stands 99 feet tall. The 36 fluted Doric columns symbolize the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The columns are 44 feet tall with a base diameter of 7.5 feet, each built from 12 drums including the capital. The columns, walls, and facades are slightly inclined inward, compensating for perspective distortions to create a harmonious appearance.

The Lincoln Memorial features a 19-foot marble statue of Abraham Lincoln, sculpted by Daniel Chester French and carved by the Piccirilli brothers. The statue portrays Lincoln seated in a contemplative pose, emphasizing his gravity and wisdom. It stands as a symbol of Lincoln's enduring legacy as a champion of freedom and national unity.

The Lincoln Memorial is located on the National Mall, situated on the axis connecting the Washington Monument and Capitol, overlooking the Potomac River and surrounded by open land. This strategic positioning enhances the monument's symbolic significance as a focal point of national unity and remembrance.

The Lincoln Memorial has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966, recognizing its historical and cultural importance. The memorial continues to be a powerful symbol of American democracy, freedom, and equality, attracting visitors from around the world. The impact of the memorial on the Civil Rights Movement further underscores its significance as a site of inspiration and struggle for equality.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the undercroft of the Lincoln Memorial was open to visitors, but tours were abruptly halted in 1989 due to the discovery of asbestos.

The Lincoln Memorial's undercroft, which contains historical graffiti from construction workers, is undergoing a renovation to create a visitor area with a museum, theater, store, and exhibit section.

The Lincoln Memorial's undercroft is a vast space, and the planned renovation will only occupy 15,000 square feet of the 50,000 square-foot space.

The Lincoln Memorial is a popular filming location, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and even video games, though strict filming rules often necessitate digital effects to achieve desired scenes.

The Lincoln Memorial is a prominent symbol of both American ideals and the 1960s counterculture, as seen in both traditional depictions and satirical parodies.

The Lincoln Memorial is featured on the back of the United States five-dollar bill, while the front bears the portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

The inscription on the Lincoln Memorial contains a typographical error: the F in 'FUTURE' is carved as an E.

The Lincoln Memorial's design is inspired by the Parthenon, a famous ancient Greek temple, which is clear in features such as the portico and the use of marble.

The statue of Abraham Lincoln within the memorial was designed by Daniel Chester French, who was familiar with sign language, which may have influenced his portrayal of Lincoln's hands, although there is no definitive evidence.