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 an ideal place to
take the family picture.
