Lincoln Memorial & Washington Monument: A Guide to Visiting

Lincoln Memorial

A Tribute to the 16th President

The Lincoln Memorial, a neoclassical temple located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President. Dedicated in 1922, it stands as a testament to Lincoln's legacy. Designed by architect Henry Bacon, the memorial features a large seated sculpture of Lincoln by Daniel Chester French and interior murals by Jules Guerin. Inscribed within the memorial are Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address.

A Site of Historic Speeches

The Lincoln Memorial has served as a backdrop for many significant speeches, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Visiting the Memorial

Administered by the National Park Service, the Lincoln Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Washington Monument

Honoring the First President

The Washington Monument, an obelisk located on the National Mall, commemorates George Washington, the first U.S. President and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Constructed of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, it is the world's tallest stone structure and obelisk, standing at 555 feet 5 1⁄8 inches (169.294 m).

Construction and History

Construction began in 1848, based on a design by Robert Mills, but faced delays due to funding issues and the Civil War. Construction resumed in 1877 with modifications to the original design, and the monument was completed in 1884 and dedicated in 1885. It was briefly the world's tallest structure until the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889.

Visiting the Monument

The Washington Monument is located east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial. It is administered by the National Park Service. Following damage from the 2011 Virginia earthquake and Hurricane Irene, the monument underwent repairs and reopened to the public in 2014.