What made US President A. Lincoln famous? Memorial in Washington: description, history, information for tourists

Abraham Lincoln is one of the most famous US presidents. It was he who led the state during the Civil War and won in it, putting an end to slave labor and legitimizing the equality and freedom of all citizens. Today not only Americans, but also many representatives of other nations know who Lincoln is. The memorial of the sixteenth president of the United States of America is one of the iconic landmarks of Washington and will be interesting for inspection to every tourist.

History of creation

Lincoln did much for the prosperity of his country and the American people. The decision to perpetuate the memory of this outstanding politician was made in 1867. However, for various reasons, the beginning of the construction of the majestic complex was postponed several times and postponed. In 1913, finally chosen a place for construction and approved the project. A year later the foundation stone was laid. In 1922 a grand opening was held. The ceremony was attended by the son of the great president - Robert Todd Lincoln. The memorial turned out to be impressive and incredibly beautiful. Today it is a popular object among tourists. Officially it is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Description of sight

The author of the project is Henry Bacon, an architect who proposed to perform a memorial in the tradition of ancient temples - with a magnificent colonnade and other characteristic elements. For the erection of this majestic building, limestone brought from Indiana and marble mined in Colorado was used. The facade of the building is surrounded by 36 columns - just as many states were united to the day when Lincoln passed away. The memorial is not only a sign of the memory of an outstanding politician, but also a symbol of equality for all representatives of the American nation and civil freedom. On the walls of the building you can read the names of 48 states of America (that is how many were at the time of the completion of construction). Later there were two more: Hawaii and Alaska - the states that joined last, so they are mentioned on a separate plate.

The statue of the great president

Attention deserves not only the appearance of the memorial. Inside is a huge statue of Lincoln. The height of the sculpture is 5.79 meters, and the total weight is 175 tons. The president is depicted in a sitting position, in a comfortable chair. His face is drawn to the Capitol and the Washington Monument. Various city legends treat this feature of the sculptural composition in different ways. However, the most common version is that Lincoln contemplates these buildings calmly and thoughtfully, without expressing any vivid feelings. Inside the memorial there are also two commemorative plaques, one on which the president's speech was printed during the inauguration, and the second - the appeal after the Battle of Gettysburg. The interior of the memorial is decorated with frescoes reflecting the life and personal convictions of the great politician.

Interesting facts and folk legends

According to some versions, the statue of Lincoln is not at all easy. They say that the face of General Robert E. Lee, looking at the former house, and now the cemetery, is carved on the head of the President. Another popular belief is that Lincoln shows his initials in sign language using his hands. Representatives of the Service of National Parks officially deny such city legends. And yet, the sculptor who created this statue really possessed American sign language and could quite well give the president the right position.

How to get to the Lincoln Memorial?

Today, one of the main symbols of freedom and equality of all people in America is open for tourist visits all the year round. The memorial is on the National Mall in Washington, and during his visit you can see other significant sights. Very close to this monument is the famous sparkling pool. Exact address of attraction: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, Washington, District of Columbia 20037, United States. If you are not well oriented in the US, know that it's enough to get to Washington and ask any local where the Lincoln Memorial is located. Attention: there are too many tourists in the afternoon. If you want to fully experience the grandeur of the monument and remain alone with your thoughts, come early in the morning or after sunset. In the dark, the majestic memorial is highlighted and looks completely different than the day, somehow mysterious.

Do everyone like the Lincoln Memorial (Washington)?

Citizens of America are particularly sensitive to the history of their state and outstanding figures of the past. All students are taught a deep sense of patriotism and a special attitude towards political figures. Abraham Lincoln (the memorial dedicated to him, has long been considered one of the significant symbols of Washington) is also one of the special presidents for his people who have made a significant contribution to the prosperity of their country. However, despite the widespread love and respect, the main monument of the 16th state manager apparently does not like everyone. The Lincoln Memorial was twice attacked by vandals. The back wall was painted for the first time, and the legs of the statue were painted with paint for the second time. The persons found guilty in these cases could not adequately explain the motives of their actions. These incidents shocked the public, most respectable citizens of the United States were agitated and outraged. The memorial is considered one of the national symbols and is liked by most residents of Washington.