The Lincoln Memorial is one of the must see attractions in
Washington D.C. Reminiscent of a Greek Temple, the Lincoln
Memorial has beautiful views of the city, including a clear view
of the National Mall that extends all the way to the Capitol.
The
Lincoln Memorial is constructed like a modified Greek Temple. It
has 36 Doric columns, one for each state at the time of
Lincoln’s death, with the massive sculpture of a seated
Lincoln in the center. Daniel Chester French designed the
19-ft-high sculpture that has a serene- faced Lincoln looking
out over the Reflecting Pool. Considered to be one of the most
inspiring monuments ever built, the Lincoln Memorial has been
the site of numerous ideological rallies and convocations,
including Martin Luther King’s stirring "I have a
dream" speech in 1963.
The Gettysburg Address is
inscribed on the south wall of the monument. Above it is a mural
painted by Jules Guerin depicting the angel of truth freeing a
slave. Guerin also painted the unity of North and South mural on
the north wall. Etched into the north wall below the mural is
Lincoln’s second inaugural speech. Reading the two speeches
will give you a greater understanding of Lincoln’s
accomplishments and in turn an appreciation of the monument
itself.
The
views of Washington D.C. from the Lincoln Memorial are
incredible. One can see the National Mall and the Capitol in the
distance, the Reflecting Pool, and Arlington. The steps of the
Lincoln Memorial is the ideal place to take the family picture.
LINCOLN
MEMORIAL
ATTRACTIONS
