The Lincoln Memorial is a famous memorial located in Washington DC., dedicated to honoring the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. It was originally constructed in 1922, and is one of the most iconic monuments in the United States. The memorial stands as a symbol of freedom, unity, and strength, and continues to be a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our nation.
The Lincoln Memorial is a stunning and meaningful tribute to the nation’s 16th President. It is considered one of the most significant pieces of architecture in the United States and is a popular tourist destination. The memorial stands alongside the Reflecting Pool, and features a seated statue of the President, surrounded by 36 columns representing the 36 states of the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. Inside the memorial is a large inscription of the Gettysburg Address, and a mural of a peaceful sunrise over the Potomac River.
The Lincoln Memorial has inspired numerous works of art, literature, music, and other works of culture. Here are examples of five of the best works of culture related to the Lincoln Memorial.
1. The Gettysburg Address: This iconic speech was delivered by President Lincoln at the dedication of the battle field cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1863. The address has become one of the most famous speeches in American history. The entire transcript is inscribed on the walls of the Lincoln Memorial, and the speech serves as a powerful reminder of the values of freedom and liberty that this country was founded upon.
2. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: The Reflecting Pool is an iconic part of the memorial, located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The pool is lined with granite and is surrounded by 36 Doric columns, which represent the 36 states of the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The tranquil setting and the view of the horizon make it the perfect place to reflect on the sacrifices made for our nation.
3. The Lincoln Memorial in Art: The Lincoln Memorial has often been portrayed in art, including in a number of iconic paintings. One of the most famous is Grant Wood’s “Lincoln the Great Emancipator”, which was created in 1932 and is now in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This painting features a powerful image of the President in a thoughtful pose, surrounded by the columns of the memorial.
4. Lincoln Memorial in Music: The Lincoln Memorial has also been a source of musical inspiration. One of the most famous musical tributes to the site is John Williams’ “Lincoln at the Memorial”, which was released in 1980 for the movie The Empire Strikes Back. This stirring piece of music perfectly captures the emotion and beauty of the memorial.
5. The Lincoln Memorial in Literature: The Lincoln Memorial has been featured in numerous works of literature, including in the famous novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. In the novel, Tom visits the memorial with his friends and reflects on the greatness of the President. Authors have also used the memorial to illustrate the importance of freedom, democracy, and the strength of the nation.