Lincoln Memorial

Overview

The Lincoln Memorial is a neoclassical monument on the western end of the National Mall, honoring Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The 19-foot marble statue of a seated Lincoln gazes eastward toward the Washington Monument and the Capitol.

Highlights

• Lincoln Statue: Daniel Chester French's iconic seated figure carved from 28 blocks of Georgia white marble.
• Gettysburg Address: Inscribed on the south wall of the memorial.
• Reflecting Pool: The 2,028-foot-long pool stretching east toward the Washington Monument.

History

Designed by Henry Bacon and completed in 1922, the memorial's 36 Doric columns represent the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. It was the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit at night when the memorial is illuminated—it's open 24 hours and far less crowded after dark.
• Tip 2: Stand on the exact spot on the memorial steps where MLK delivered his speech, marked by an inscription.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.