A Special Memorial for a Special President
The 99 foot monument dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is not only just a tourist trap, it is an architectural wonder. The building may not seem that amazing from afar, but if you see the detail put into the building you will instantly be stunned.
The memorial holds the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s second inaugural address. The sculpture of Lincoln sits in the center hall of the building.
36 pillars were incorporated into the structure to represent the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death. The names of these 36 states are also inscribed near the top of the building. The columns are inclined slightly toward the building’s inside in order to compensate for perspective distortions. These distortions would make the memorial look as if it was bulging out at the top when compared with the bottom. The architect of the building was referencing an idea used in Ancient Greek architecture.
Built by: M. F. Comer and Company and the National Foundation and Engineering Company
Area: 27,336 square feet
Architect: Henry Bacon
Sculptor: Daniel Chester French
Look at photos below:
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