Lincoln Memorial

Address:Washington, District of Columbia
Tel: (202) 690-5185

Visit one of the most utilized and photographed presidential memorials! Attracting millions of visitors annually, the Lincoln Memorial is a moving tribute to the nation's 16th president and a great American symbol of freedom.

The Lincoln Memorial was planned just two years after Lincoln's death, but the memorial was not actually completed and dedicated until 1922, 55 years later. Known for its neoclassical, temple-like structure, the Memorial is similar in design to the Parthenon in Greece. It has 36 fluted Doric columns which represent the states of the Union at the time of Lincoln's death, plus two at the entrance and 48 festoons symbolizing the number of states in 1922, when the monument was erected. There are inscriptions here of the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, as well as two 60-foot-high murals which depict Lincoln's principles and achievements. Most memorable though, is the 19-foot-high seated statue of Lincoln, which disappears from your sightline as you get close to the base of the memorial, and then emerges slowly into view as you go up the stairs. Visitors can enjoy 20- to 30-minute ranger programs throughout the day, and an hour total is more than enough time to see it all at the Lincoln Memorial.

To get to the Lincoln Memorial, the Rock Creek Parkway, Interstate 495, New York Avenue, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Cabin John Parkway provide access from the north. Interstate 66, U.S. Route 50 and Route 29 provide access from the west. U.S. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the east. There is limited handicapped parking at the Lincoln and FDR memorials; otherwise parking is extremely scarce in Washington, D.C. So wear some sneakers, enjoy the walk over, and stand before the man who changed the face of America forever.