Lincoln Memorial

This monument was built in 1922 in honour of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. You probably already know that he was the President who abolished slavery in the United States! Lincoln was elected in 1860, when America had 31 states divided into two regions. The North was experiencing significant industrial growth, while the South relied on its plantations—and therefore on slavery—for its economy. By then, the North had already abolished slavery. Abraham Lincoln took office in 1861, and the Southern states were well aware that he sought to abolish slavery. In opposition, 11 states decided to break away from the United States. In April 1861, they attacked a fort held by the Northern states. This event marked the beginning of the Civil War between the North, called the Union, and the South, known as the Confederacy. In 1862, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring to outlaw slavery in the states that opposed the Union. The war raged on, with more than 3 million soldiers and the death of hundreds of thousands of people over four years. Eventually, due to low supplies and dwindling morale, the Southern forces surrendered on April 9, 1865, leading to the reunification of the country. Just five days later, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by a Southerner while watching a play at the theatre. Following his death, Congress passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which permanently abolished slavery. Lincoln is regarded by many as the most influential American in history. It was only fitting that such a tribute be built in the nation’s capital! The memorial has 36 marble columns inspired by ancient Greek temples, representing each state that existed at the time of Lincoln’s death. Inside, there is a towering statue of Lincoln—measuring 6 meters tall and 6 meters wide. It depicts the former president gazing towards the Washington Monument, the nation’s symbol. On each side of the memorial, you’ll find inscriptions of two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches: one from the Battle of Gettysburg, which saw around 10,000 casualties in just three days, and the other from his second inauguration speech. To get up closer to this impressive statue and these historic inscriptions, you’ll need to go up a few steps. While you’re up there, take in the view behind you. These steps hold a powerful history: this is where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered one of the most famous speeches in the world—”I Have a Dream.”