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Lincoln Memorial: Tours & Tickets
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Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
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5 historical facts about the Lincoln Memorial
Opposite the White House on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is one of Washington, D.C.'s most treasured landmarks – despite the stiff competition! How did it become an icon of the "American Way?" Here are a few reasons plucked from the history books!
1. It took decades to start building
Though not built until 1922, a memorial had been planned since Lincoln's death in 1867. The original's cavalcade of colossal statues was finally deemed overambitious and scrapped!
2. It utilizes materials from around the US
Henry Bacon, the architect, used Colorado marble for the exterior, Indiana limestone for the inner walls, Alabama marble for the ceiling, and pink Tennessee marble for the floor!
3. The structure was controversial in its time
Many considered the Greek-doric monument too grandiose for a man as humble as Lincoln. The suggested alternative was a simple log-cabin shrine!
4. It was the site of a groundbreaking concert
More than 75,000 witnessed African-American contralto Marian Anderson perform at the memorial after being refused permission to sing at the nearby DAR Constitution Hall.
5. It became an icon of the Civil Rights Movement
Undaunted by the memorial's engravings of Lincoln's seminal speeches, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" to a crowd of 250,000 after the March on Washington.
Planning Your Visit
What are the opening times?
The Lincoln Memorial is open to visit 24 hours a day, however, Rangers are on duty to answer questions and give talks from 9:30AM till 11:30PM.
How to get there?
The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom on the Orange and Blue lines. If you're hiring a car then exit at intersection Independence Ave. SW & Daniel Chester French Dr. SW. Parking is available at Ohio Drive. (Handicapped parking can be found directly across from the memorial at Daniel Chester French Drive SW.)
Good to know
-
- When should I visit?
- Open 24 hours
-
- Is it expensive?
- Free!
-
- Will I need a guide?
- Not necessary, but recommended!
-
- How to get there
- Take the Metro to Foggy Bottom
-
- Additional information
- To avoid crowds, visit the Memorial after dark. It is quite majestic all lit up!
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What people are saying about Lincoln Memorial
Our guide was very knowledgeable and attentive to our group during the walking tour. The bus was clean and the driver was professional. The water was a nice addition. Highly recommend!
Our guide Tyrone was awesome and very knowledgeable, driver Chris kept us in schedule. Wonderful excursion for first time visitors even under COVID restrictions.
Very relaxed feel while professionally presented. Tour did not feel rushed and ample time was given for each stop. Would def use this service again!
Absolutely worth it!!!! We took the night tour and the tour guide Steve was AWESOME! Would do it again just because of the tour guide !
Identified some of the best sites to spend more time at. Also, found sites to see that we weren't aware of prior to the tour.
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