“the Government of the People, by the People, for the People.”
from “Gettysburg Address”
In Washington, D.C., there is a grand and iconic monument dedicated to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, known for his famous words. The Lincoln Memorial stands at the western end of the National Mall, close to the Potomac River, and is one of the most representative tourist spots in Washington, D.C.
Faithful Reproduction of Greek Architectural Style
Washington, D.C. features numerous buildings constructed in the Greek architectural style. The United States Capitol on the east side of the National Mall boasts the Corinthian order, the most lavish and ornate style of Greek architecture, while the White House exhibits the Ionic style, distinguished by its decorative spirals between the columns and the ceiling.
In contrast, the Lincoln Memorial faithfully replicates the peripteral design seen in the Parthenon in Athens, supported by 36 Doric columns. This number represents the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s passing, and the names of the states that joined the Union during the construction of the memorial are carved on top of these columns.
Guarding the Nation’s Politics – The President’s Gaze
Inside the memorial stands a seated statue of President Lincoln, sculpted by Daniel Chester French, facing east. The walls on both sides of the statue are adorned with inscriptions of his famous speeches: the Gettysburg Address on the left and the Second Inaugural Address on the right. Notably, the seated statue gazes towards the east, where the Reflecting Pool, the World War II Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the United States Capitol stand. Furthermore, on the eve of the presidential inauguration, the incoming president traditionally delivers a speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial before visiting the interior.
A Symbol of Freedom
The area surrounding the entrance of the Lincoln Memorial witnessed significant historical events, and one of the most notable was the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. Led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement reached its apex, with numerous citizens marching through Washington, D.C. to demand freedom and equality. As the demonstration reached its climax, Dr. King and the marchers gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial, where he delivered his iconic “I have a Dream” speech. The spot where he stood bears commemorative inscriptions and is open to anyone, allowing visitors to stand where Dr. King proclaimed his ideals and paid tribute to President Lincoln’s legacy.
The Majesty of the Illuminated Memorial at Night
While visiting the Lincoln Memorial during the day is captivating, it is also highly recommended to experience it after sunset when the monument is beautifully illuminated. The contrast between the day and night atmosphere adds to the solemnity and grandeur of the memorial.
Transportation Tips for a Full Day at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is located at the western end of the National Mall, which may be a considerable distance from hotels in Washington, D.C. or Arlington. It is advisable to use public transportation to reach the site. During the day, you can rent bicycles at various locations throughout the city, or opt for the hop-on-hop-off double-decker buses departing from Union Station. For safety reasons, it’s recommended to join a night tour when exploring the area near the National Mall after dark.
Participating in a night tour allows you to visit not only the Lincoln Memorial but also other nearby attractions. Local guides provide detailed explanations, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors to Washington, D.C. As an added bonus, if you purchase a 2-day hop-on-hop-off bus ticket, the night tour is typically included at no extra cost.
Make the most of transportation options and fully enjoy a day at the Lincoln Memorial!
In the annals of American history, few figures loom as large as Abraha...
