The Lincoln Memorial was definitely up there on our list of things to see during our family travel to Washington DC over spring break. In fact, our then 9-year-old son had just completed a school report on the memorial honoring our 16th president who led us through the Civil War. We made the Lincoln Memorial a stop on our walking tour through the National Park Services (NPS) run National Mall & Memorial Parks. After visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the WWII Memorial, we headed for the memorial to (in my opinion) our greatest president.
The Lincoln Memorial
Hours
The public may visit the Lincoln Memorial 24 hours a day; however, park rangers are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. There are no fees or reservations needed for the Lincoln Memorial.
The Building Exterior
Architect Henry Bacon designed this marble, Greek Temple-inspired memorial in 1914. Its 36 Doric columns represent the states of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 — just days after the Southern states surrendered the Civil War. Look above each column to see the names of the states and the date each entered the Union. Leading up to the shrine on the east side are the main steps which begin at the Reflecting Pool (which we were so disappointed to see had been drained for repairs during our visit).
The Gettysburg Address on the south wall.
Famous Words
Look to the south side to view Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. On the north wall is his Second Inaugural Address. Above each of the inscriptions is a mural painted by Jules Guerin which portray governing principles of Lincoln’s life. On the south wall mural, Freedom, Liberty, Immortality, Justice and the Law are pictured, while the north wall portrays Unity, Fraternity and Charity. Both scenes contain cypress trees, the emblem of Eternity.
The Statue
Daniel Chester French designed the nearly 20-foot statue of Lincoln, seated in solemn thought. Above his head reads the inscription
IN THIS TEMPLE
AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION
THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
IS ENSHRINED FOREVER
Study the many details of Lincoln's statue.
The statue, originally intended to be only 10 feet tall, was, enlarged so that it finally stood 19 feet tall from head to foot, the scale being such that if Lincoln were standing, he would be 28 feet tall. The extreme width of the statue is the same as its height. Take a close look at Lincoln’s hands. Although, the National Park Service claims it to be an urban legend, some believe French sculpted his hands in the form of the sign language symbols for “a” and “l”, Lincoln’s initials. It is possible, according to some historians, that French did indeed intend to do this as he was familiar with American Sign Language. Check it out and see what you think.
I Have a Dream
On August 28, 1963, over 200,000 listened as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. You can stand on the exact spot he stood while delivering these timeless words.
Our little guy "holding" the Washington Monument.
Just for Kids
Kids of all ages enjoy fun photography. Have someone stand facing the Lincoln Memorial holding their hand out to their side. Help them hold their hand so it appears as if they are holding the Washington Monument in the palm of their hand and then snap a photo.
Kids can also be Junior Rangers at the memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is part of National Park Service. All of our national parks host Junior Ranger programs for children. Print out a copy of the National Mall Junior Ranger booklet for your child(ren) before visiting Washington DC.
For more info on the Lincoln Memorial and to watch and listen to audio and video from park rangers, visit nps.gov/linc/index.htm. I highly recommend watching some of these videos as they are very moving.
