The Lincoln Memorial is a prominent American monument that commemorates President Abraham Lincoln, who led the nation through the Civil War. Builders chose a site along the Potomac River, even though it was initially marshy and less suitable for construction. However, the location at the western end of the National Mall, directly across from the Capitol and Washington Monument, was selected for its symbolic alignment. This placement highlights Lincoln’s pivotal role in preserving the Union.
Construction started on February 12, 1914—Lincoln’s 105th birthday. The memorial’s design features a statue of Lincoln by Daniel Chester French. It stands 5.8 metres tall on a 3-meter pedestal and weighs 175 tonnes. The statue was originally planned to be smaller, but it was enlarged to better match the memorial’s grand scale. If Lincoln were standing, he would reach a height of 8.5 metres, emphasising his monumental legacy.
Thirty-six Doric columns adorn the exterior, each representing a state in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death in 1865. This classical architecture symbolises the unity of the states during and after the Civil War and the nation’s enduring strength.
An undercroft lies beneath the statue, rediscovered during renovations in 1975. This hidden three-story space is filled with concrete columns and stalactites. It also contains graffiti from the construction period, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of the builders.
The Lincoln Memorial is more than a tribute to a significant leader; it embodies the enduring spirit, complexity, and resilience of the United States. Its construction on challenging terrain, chosen for its strategic alignment with the Capitol and Washington Monument, shows that a grand vision can overcome obstacles. This monumental structure stands as a testament to turning vision into reality.
