The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a national monument located in Washington, D.C., that was built to honor the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. This iconic structure has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the nation’s capital, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The Design and Architecture
The design of the Lincoln Memorial was created by architect Henry Bacon, who drew inspiration from ancient Greek temples. The structure was designed to be a classic tribute to the man who led the nation through one of its most challenging periods, the Civil War. The Memorial features a large marble statue of Abraham Lincoln seated in a chair, flanked by two inscriptions of his famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address.
The Materials Used for the Construction
The Lincoln Memorial was constructed using several different types of marble, including Colorado Yule marble, Tennessee marble, and Georgia marble. The exterior of the structure was built using white marble from the Yule Quarry in Colorado, while the interior was constructed using pink and gray marble from Tennessee and Georgia.
A Tour of the Lincoln Memorial
Visitors to the Lincoln Memorial can take a self-guided tour of the structure and learn about the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The tour includes a visit to the main hall, where the Lincoln statue is located, as well as a stop at the museum shop and the observation deck.
The Exterior of the Memorial
The exterior of the Lincoln Memorial features a classical Greek design, with 36 columns surrounding the perimeter of the structure. The columns are 44 feet tall and each one is made up of 12 separate pieces of marble. The columns are arranged in a double row, with each row containing 18 columns.
The Interior of the Memorial
The interior of the Lincoln Memorial is just as impressive as the exterior, featuring a large statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in a chair. The statue is 19 feet tall and weighs 120 tons. The walls of the Memorial are adorned with inscriptions of Lincoln’s famous speeches, as well as images of the Civil War and other important events in American history.
The Lincoln Statue
The Lincoln statue is one of the most famous features of the Memorial. The statue was created by sculptor Daniel Chester French, who worked with Bacon to design the Memorial. The statue is made up of 28 separate pieces of marble and is one of the largest sculptures in the world.
The Inscriptions on the Memorial
The inscriptions on the Lincoln Memorial are also an important part of the structure. The two inscriptions, one of the Gettysburg Address and one of the Second Inaugural Address, are carved into the walls of the Memorial and serve as a reminder of Lincoln’s leadership and vision.
The Columns of the Memorial
The columns of the Lincoln Memorial are an important part of the structure’s design. The columns were designed to be a symbol of strength and stability, and to serve as a tribute to the ancient Greek architecture that inspired Bacon.
How Many Columns Make up the Memorial?
The Lincoln Memorial features 36 columns, arranged in a double row around the perimeter of the structure. Each column is 44 feet tall and made up of 12 separate pieces of marble.
The Importance of the Columns
The columns of the Lincoln Memorial are an important symbol of strength and stability, and serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The columns also represent the classic Greek architecture that inspired Bacon, and serve as a tribute to the timeless beauty of ancient Greek design.
Conclusion: The Significance of the Lincoln Memorial’s Columns
The columns of the Lincoln Memorial are an essential part of the structure’s design, and serve as a powerful symbol of strength and stability. They are a testament to the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln, and a reminder of the timeless beauty of classical Greek architecture. The Lincoln Memorial remains one of the most important and beloved national monuments in the United States, and its columns will continue to inspire and awe visitors for generations to come.
