“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”
Below these etched words is the 19′ tall Abraham Lincoln sitting statue. Today is the anniversary of the memorials completion on May 30, 1922. Construction started on Lincoln’s birthday February 12, 1915.
The materials for this memorial consist of marble and limestone. The statue was sculpted by Daniel Chester French. The exterior structure itself was designed by Henry Bacon. It is supported by 36 columns that each represent states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death in 1865.
At the time of its completion there were only 48 states and their names were etched around the exterior. After the addition of Alaska and Hawaii a plaque was added to include these states.
One of the most popular and inspiring memorials in Washington D.C. receiving nearly 4 million visitors each year.