Lincoln Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lincoln Memorial
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Aerial View (2010)
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 Location in Central Washington, D.C.
Location in the District of Columbia
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| Location | West End of National Mall, Washington, D.C. |
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| Area | 27,336 square feet (2,539.6 m2) |
| Built | 1914–1922 |
| Architect | Henry Bacon (architect) Daniel Chester French (sculptor) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Visitation | 6,546,518 (2013) |
| Website | Lincoln Memorial |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000030 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
The Lincoln Memorial is a famous monument in Washington, D.C.. It was built to honor Abraham Lincoln, who was the 16th President of the United States. President Lincoln led the country during the American Civil War. Many people visit this memorial each year. It is located on the National Mall.
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Designing the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial was designed to look like an ancient Greek temple. It was inspired by the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. The memorial has 36 tall columns around it. Each column is about 37 feet (11 m) high.
Right outside the steps of the memorial is a large reflecting pool. The pool reflects the memorial beautifully.
Inside the Memorial
Inside the memorial, there is a huge sculpture of Abraham Lincoln. He is shown sitting on a chair. The statue looks towards the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument.
The statue is very big. It is about 19 feet 9 inches (6 m) tall and 19 feet (6 m) wide. It was carved from 28 large blocks of white marble.
Behind the sculpture, these important words are carved into the wall:
IN THIS TEMPLE
AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION
THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
IS ENSHRINED FOREVER
This means that Abraham Lincoln will always be remembered here. He will also be remembered by the American people. They remember him for saving the country during the Civil War.
Lincoln's famous speech, the Gettysburg Address, is also written on one of the walls. There are also several murals inside. One mural shows an angel. Another mural shows a slave being freed.
Famous Events at the Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial has been a special place for many important events. This is because Lincoln is known for freeing the slaves. Many civil rights protests have happened here.
- In 1939, singer Marian Anderson performed at the memorial. She was not allowed to sing at another hall because of her race.
- Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous I Have a Dream speech on the steps. This happened in 1963.
- President Richard Nixon once met with people protesting the Vietnam War here.
- A concert was held at the memorial for President Barack Obama before he became president.
Lincoln Memorial on U.S. Money
The Lincoln Memorial has been shown on American money for many years. You can see it on the back of the United States penny (the one cent coin). It is also on the back of the five dollar bill. Both of these also have a picture of Abraham Lincoln on the front.
Images for kids
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Future site of the Memorial, around 1912
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President Warren G. Harding speaking at the dedication in 1922
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Chief Justice Taft, President Harding, and Robert Todd Lincoln at the dedication on May 30, 1922
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A close-up of the Memorial's friezes
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President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton at the 2013 50th anniversary of the March on Washington
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Some believe the statue's hands form the letters "A" and "L" in sign language.
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The March on Washington in 1963 brought 250,000 people to the National Mall.
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This inscription marks where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his speech.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a Lincoln para niños
