Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous presidents of the United States. It was he who led the state during the Civil War and won in it, putting an end to slave labor and legitimizing the equality and freedom of all citizens. Today, not only Americans, but also many representatives of other nations know who Lincoln is. The memorial of the sixteenth president of the United States of America is one of Washington 's iconic landmarks and will be of interest to every tourist.
History of creation
Lincoln did a lot for the prosperity of his country and the American people. The decision to perpetuate the memory of this outstanding political figure was made in 1867. However, for various reasons, the beginning of the construction of the magnificent complex was several times postponed and postponed. In 1913, they finally chose a place for construction and approved the project. A year later, the foundation stone was laid. In 1922, a grand opening took place. The ceremony was attended by the son of the great president - Robert Todd Lincoln. The memorial turned out to be impressive and incredibly beautiful. Today it is a popular tourist destination. Officially, it is run by the National Park Service.
Description of Attraction
The author of the project is Henry Bacon, an architect who proposed to carry out the memorial in the traditions of ancient temples - with a magnificent colonnade and other characteristic elements. To erect this magnificent building, limestone and marble mined from Colorado were brought from Indiana. The facade of the building is surrounded by 36 columns - that is how many states were united by the day Lincoln passed away. The memorial is not only a sign of memory of an outstanding politician, but also a symbol of equality of all representatives of the American nation and civil freedom. On the walls of the building you can read the names of 48 states of America (just as many of them were at the time of completion). Later, two more appeared: Hawaii and Alaska - the states that joined the latter, therefore they are mentioned on a separate plate.
Statue of the great president
Not only the appearance of the memorial deserves attention. Inside it is a huge Lincoln statue. The height of the sculpture is 5.79 meters, and the total mass is 175 tons. The President is depicted in a sitting pose, in a comfortable chair. His face is turned to the Capitol and the Washington Monument. Various urban legends interpret this feature of the sculptural composition in different ways. However, the most common version is that Lincoln calmly and thoughtfully contemplates these buildings, not expressing any vivid feelings. There are also two memorial plaques inside the memorial, on one printed the president’s speech during the inauguration, and on the second - appeal after the battle of Gettysburg. The interior of the memorial is decorated with frescoes reflecting the life path and personal convictions of the great politician.
Interesting facts and folk legends
According to some versions, the Lincoln statue is not easy. It is claimed that the face of General Robert E. Lee, looking at the former house, and now the cemetery, is carved on the back of the president’s head. Another belief is also popular, according to which Lincoln shows his initials in sign language with his hands. Representatives of the National Park Service officially refute such urban legends. Meanwhile, the sculptor who created this statue really knew the American sign language and could well give the president’s hands the right position.
How to get to the Lincoln Memorial?
Today, one of the main symbols of freedom and equality of all people in America is open for tourist visits year-round. The memorial is located on the National Alley in Washington, and during its visit you can see other significant sights. Very close to this monument is the famous sparkling pool. The exact address of the attraction: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, Washington, District of Columbia 20037, United States. If you are poorly oriented in the USA, you should know that it is enough to get to Washington and ask any local where the Lincoln Memorial is located. Attention: in the afternoon there are too many tourists. If you want to fully experience the grandeur of the monument and be alone with your thoughts, come early in the morning or after sunset. At night, the majestic memorial is highlighted and looks completely different than during the day, somehow mysteriously.
Does everyone like the Lincoln Memorial (Washington)?
Citizens of America are especially sensitive to the history of their state and outstanding figures of past years. All students are instilled with a deep sense of patriotism and a special attitude towards political figures. Abraham Lincoln (a memorial dedicated to him has long been considered one of Washington’s significant symbols) is also one of his special presidents for his people who made a significant contribution to the prosperity of his country. However, despite the widespread love and respect, the main monument of the 16th governor of the state, apparently, is not liked by everyone. The Lincoln Memorial was twice subjected to assassination attempts by vandals. The first time its back wall was painted, and the second time the legs of the statue were doused with paint. Persons convicted in these cases could not adequately explain their motives. These incidents stirred the public; most respectable US citizens were agitated and outraged. The memorial is considered one of the national symbols and is liked by the majority of Washington residents.