Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Open 24 hours
- Temporary restrooms are available on the south side of the memorials. Daytime hours may vary.
- A temporary gift shop is available on the south side of the memorials. Daytime hours may vary.
The Lincoln undercroft is under construction, but the Memorial is still open. The restrooms and gift shop are available at a temporary site south of the Memorial along Daniel French Drive SW.
The Lincoln Memorial honors the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln served as President from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865 and is best known for leading the country during the American Civil War, preserving the Union, and emancipating enslaved people.
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. He grew up in a poor family and had limited formal education but was an avid reader and taught himself many subjects. He worked various jobs (including rail-splitter, store clerk, and surveyor) before becoming a lawyer. He eventually entered politics and served in the Illinois State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Before being elected president in 1860, Lincoln gained national recognition during the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, where he argued against the expansion of slavery. His entire presidency was marked by the American Civil War, during which he worked tirelessly to preserve the Union and end slavery—eventually issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were free. He was re-elected in 1864, but was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Lincoln's leadership and dedication to the principles of democracy and equality were instrumental in shaping the nation's future. His Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address are among the most famous speeches in American history, emphasizing the need for national unity and the moral imperative of ending slavery.
The former president’s legacy is honored at the Lincoln Memorial, which features a larger-than-life statue of him and inscriptions of his most famous speeches. The memorial, built between 1914 and 1922, is a symbol of his enduring impact on the nation. It is surrounded by thirty-six Doric columns representing the states in the Union at the time of his death, and it includes murals depicting themes of emancipation and reunion.
Take a virtual stroll through this National Mall site
History
Timeline of events
The former president is born in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky.
The Lincoln family moves to Illinois.
Lincoln then moves to New Salem, Illinois, where he works as a store clerk.
He is elected to the Illinois State Legislature.
He marries Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois.
He is elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Lincoln participates in the Lincoln-Douglas debates, gaining national recognition.
He is elected as the 16th President of the United States.
Lincoln is inaugurated as President.
He issues the Emancipation Proclamation.
Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address.
Lincoln is re-elected as president.
The Civil War effectively ends with General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.
Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Vice President Andrew Johnson succeeds Lincoln and becomes the 17th president.
A congressional act establishes the Lincoln Memorial Commission.
Construction begins on the memorial.
The cornerstone of the memorial is laid.
The memorial is dedicated by President Warren Harding.
The Reflecting Pool is completed.
Marian Anderson performs at the Lincoln Memorial, signaling its use for civil rights gatherings.
The first case of Dutch Elm Disease is discovered on the National Mall trees on the south side of the memorial.
Congress authorizes the FDR Memorial.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs at the memorial.
Key Features
Partially modeled after the ancient Athens’ Parthenon, the Lincoln Memorial is a sight to be seen and is probably most known for Daniel Chester French’s larger-than-life statue of Lincoln that looks out over the capital.
Other unique elements include:
Cultural Impact
The Lincoln Memorial has had a profound cultural impact since its dedication in 1922—serving as a symbol of national unity, democracy, and the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
It has been a site for significant historical events and public gatherings, particularly in the context of civil rights. For example, Marian Anderson's 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial marked a pivotal moment in the fight against racial segregation. Additionally, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at the Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs, further cementing its role as a symbol of the struggle for equality and justice.
The Memorial is even featured on the penny!
The Abraham Lincoln Memorial continues to inspire visitors and serves as a place of reflection on the values and principles that define the United States.
Reflection Questions
High school learners: Our nation’s past is complex and often provokes reflection, especially as we look to the future.
Here are a few questions to inspire deeper thinking:
- How did Abraham Lincoln's views on slavery evolve over the course of his political career?
- What were the main challenges Lincoln faced during the Civil War and how did he address them?
- Why has the Lincoln Memorial been used as a site for civil rights events, such as Marian Anderson's performance and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech?
Educational Activities
Other Resources
Interested in learning more? The following links will provide you with additional context and information: