Lincoln Memorial

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.