Physical Layout and Design of the Lincoln Memorial Before the Reflecting Pool
The Lincoln Memorial sits at the western end of the National Mall, positioned directly before the long Reflecting Pool. The structure was designed by architect Henry Bacon and dedicated in 1922. The memorial is built primarily from Colorado Yule marble and Indiana limestone, with a granite foundation. Its Doric temple form measures 189.7 feet in length, 118.5 feet in width, and reaches a height of 99 feet. The interior features a large seated sculpture of Abraham Lincoln by Daniel Chester French, which stands 19 feet tall from the floor to the top of the head.
Structural Dimensions and Material Specifications
The exterior colonnade consists of 36 fluted Doric columns, each 44 feet tall, representing the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The roof is made of Alabama marble. The interior chamber is divided into three main sections by rows of massive marble columns. The statue of Lincoln occupies the central space, which is approximately 60 feet wide, 74 feet deep, and 60 feet high. The inscription rooms on either side of the chamber contain carved text from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and second inaugural address.
Historical Context and Construction Timeline
The idea for a national monument to Lincoln was first proposed shortly after his assassination in 1865. The Lincoln Memorial Commission was established in 1867, but construction did not begin until 1914 after decades of debate over the site and design. The project was funded entirely by private donations, with no federal money used for construction. The total cost of the memorial was approximately $2.9 million in 1922 dollars, equivalent to over $50 million today. The site was chosen for its location at the planned western terminus of the National Mall, creating a direct sightline to the Capitol building.
Key Figures in the Memorial's Creation
Henry Bacon served as the architect and insisted on a Greek temple design rather than a traditional statue. Daniel Chester French, the sculptor, spent years studying Lincoln's features using life masks and photographs. The construction involved the engineering firm of Rankin, Kellogg, and Crane. The project faced delays due to World War I and funding challenges. The memorial was officially dedicated on May 30, 1922, with Robert Todd Lincoln, the president's son, in attendance. The site has since become a focal point for major national events and gatherings.
Visitor Access, Statistics, and Nearby Attractions
The Lincoln Memorial before the Reflecting Pool is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no admission fee. The National Park Service reports that the memorial attracts over 7 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited monuments in the United States. The Reflecting Pool runs 2,028 feet long and 167 feet wide, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the World War II Memorial. The surrounding grounds are maintained by the National Mall and Memorial Parks division of the National Park Service. The memorial underwent a $30.7 million restoration completed in 2014, which included cleaning the exterior marble and repairing interior surfaces.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
The nearest Metro stations are Foggy Bottom-GWU and Smithsonian, both served by the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. The memorial is accessible via the National Mall walking path, which connects to the Tidal Basin and the World War II Memorial. The Reflecting Pool is a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. The area is patrolled by U.S. Park Police. For current hours, security procedures, and event permits, visitors can check the official National Park Service