Description:
Resembling a classical Greek style temple, the Lincoln memorial is one of the largest memorials of the National Mall. The memorial measures 189 by 118 feet and is 99 feet tall. It is made entirely out of Yule marble from Colorado. Surrounding the structure is 36 fluted doric style columns, standing 44 feet tall with a base diameter of 7.5 feet. Above the colonnade is a frieze and carved garland with ribbons and palm leaves. All of this is supported by the wings of an eagle. The Memorial’s foundation is concrete and 44 to 66 feet in depth. It is also surrounded by a 187-by-257-foot and 14 feet high rectangular granite retaining wall. Leading up to the memorial and starting at the end of the reflection pool are the main steps also made out of marble. Bordering the steps at the entrance are two buttresses each crowned with an 11-foot tall tripod carved from pink Tennessee marble.
The Memorial's interior is divided into three chambers by two rows of four Ionic columns, which each stand 50 feet tall. The central chamber, which houses the statue of Lincoln, is 60 feet wide and 60 feet high.The other chambers surrounding the central chamber displays carved inscriptions of Lincoln's second inaugural address and his Gettysburg Address. Surrounding the engraving are pillars ornamented with fasces, eagles, and wreaths. The ceiling has bronze girders decorated with laurel and oak leaves. During the night, the memorial is lit by lights implanted in the memorials ceiling.
General History:
Starting in 1867, Congress passed the first of many bills that incorporated a commision to build a memorial for the sixteenth president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The preparation for the memorial did not resume until the start of the 20th century. The commision was approved on December 13, 1910 and the Lincoln Memorial Commission had its first meeting in 1911. President William Taft was chosen as the commission president and progress of the memorial continued. By 1913, Congress had approved the design and location of the memorial.
Henry Bacon was the selected designer for the memorial. His choice for the grandiose Greek temple had many worried that it would not represent Lincoln’s humble character. However, no other design was agreed upon. With an approved allocation of $300,000 the project started in 1914. Some changes were made during the construction period. For example, the statue of Lincoln was to be 10 feet tall, but it was enlarged to 19 feet to prevent the huge central chamber from overwhelming it. By 1915 all foundation work was complete by 1922. The memorial itself was dedicated William H. Taft on May 30, 1922. Lincoln’s only surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln was present for the dedication. And on October 15, 1966 the memorial was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Symbolism/Analysis:
The massive memorial has many symbols within its walls and columns. For example, the 36 columns represent all of the names of the states that were a part of the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The 48 stone festoons above the columns represent the 48 states that made up America in 1922. Inside, each inscription is surmounted by a 60-by-12-foot which portrays the principles seen as evident in Lincoln's life. They include; freedom, liberty, immortality, justice, law, unity, fraternity, and charity. Within the murals are Cypress trees, which represent eternity. Additionally, the choice to model the memorial after a Greek temple was no mistake. Lincoln was a man who defended democracy and it is fitting that the memorial has Greek influence, being the birthplace of democracy.
On the south interior wall is the Gettysburg Address, which Lincoln delivered on November 19, 1863 as part of the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This speech was chosen because it is well known, but also because it displays the president's strength and determination to see the war to a successful conclusion. Engraved on the north interior wall is Lincoln's March 4, 1865 Second Inaugural Address. This speech is highly considered Lincoln's plan for the reunification of the nation. The elected president was planning for the North to welcome the South back into the Union, however there was still work to be done for the president. The sculptor of the Lincoln statue, Daniel Chester French felt as though he need to portray the president in a stern but compassionate way. So, he chose to sculpt one of Lincoln’s hands clenched to symbolize his strength and determination to end the war. While his other hand is more opened and relaxed, referencing Lincoln’s caring and compassionate character.
