Washington D. C. is a city filled with history, culture, and iconic landmarks. From the White House to the Capitol Building, there are countless sites to see and explore.
One of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in Washington D. is the Lincoln Memorial. This grand structure stands as a tribute to one of America's greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln.
The History of the Lincoln Memorial
The idea for the Lincoln Memorial was first proposed in 1867, just two years after President Lincoln's assassination. However, it wasn't until 1914 that construction began on the memorial.The design was inspired by ancient Greek temples, with 36 Doric columns representing the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The memorial was officially dedicated in 1922, with President Warren G. Harding giving a speech to a crowd of over 50,000 people. Since then, it has become one of the most visited landmarks in Washington D. C., attracting millions of visitors each year.
The Design and Architecture
The Lincoln Memorial is an impressive structure, standing at 99 feet tall and 188 feet wide.The exterior is made of white marble from Colorado, while the interior features a 19-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting in contemplation. The statue was created by sculptor Daniel Chester French and took four years to complete. One of the most striking features of the memorial is its grand staircase, which leads up to the entrance. This staircase is made up of 58 steps, representing the number of years Lincoln lived before his untimely death.
The Steps of the Lincoln Memorial
Now, let's get to the main question at hand: how many steps are there in the Lincoln Memorial? As mentioned before, there are 58 steps leading up to the entrance of the memorial. However, these are not the only steps that can be found at this iconic landmark. Once inside the memorial, visitors will find another set of steps leading up to the statue of Lincoln.These steps are known as the "eternal steps" and are meant to symbolize the eternal impact of Lincoln's legacy. There are 36 steps in this set, representing the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. But wait, there's more! If you venture down to the lower level of the memorial, you will find yet another set of steps. These 13 steps represent the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. So, in total, there are 107 steps in the Lincoln Memorial. Each set of steps holds its own significance and adds to the overall symbolism and meaning of this historic landmark.
Other Interesting Facts
Aside from its impressive design and number of steps, there are many other interesting facts about the Lincoln Memorial that make it a must-see attraction in Washington D.Here are just a few:
- The memorial was built by over 28 different sculptors and artists.
- The words of Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address are inscribed on one of the walls inside the memorial.
- The memorial has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Forrest Gump and The West Wing.
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which sits in front of the memorial, is 2,029 feet long and holds over 6 million gallons of water.
Visiting the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. Admission is free, and there are no tickets required to enter. However, if you plan on visiting during peak tourist season (March-August), it's best to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid large crowds. While you're there, be sure to take your time and explore all that the memorial has to offer. From the grand staircase to the eternal steps, each element holds a special meaning and adds to the overall experience of this iconic landmark.In Conclusion
The Lincoln Memorial is not only a beautiful architectural masterpiece, but it also holds great historical and cultural significance.With its 107 steps and numerous other interesting features, it's no wonder that this landmark continues to attract millions of visitors each year. So, next time you find yourself in Washington D. C., be sure to make a stop at the Lincoln Memorial and take in all of its grandeur and symbolism.
