The Lincoln Memorial was designed in the style of the Doric temples of Ancient Greece, with some similarities to the Parthenon. The memorial was planned shortly after Lincoln's assassination, but wasn't built until the 20th century, and was completed in 1922. It has 36 marble columns that represent the 36 states when Lincoln was president. Names of 48 states are inscribed near the top. If you look carefully at the back of a five dollar bill you can see them. A plaque was added for the states that joined the Union after the monument was built: Alaska and Hawaii.

While visiting the monument, be sure to read the inscriptions of the Gettysburg address and Lincoln's Second Inaugural address.

The Lincoln Memorial as seen from Arlington House in the Arlington National Cemetery.

Going over the bridge in the above picture:
The setting sun gives the white marble a lovely tone.

The 19ft X 19ft sculpture of Lincoln was done by
Daniel Chester French and is considered a masterpiece.

The close-up shows some of the intricate detail that went into the statue.

The view of the statue from the front steps. The inscription reads:
"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he
saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever."

The trees that line the reflecting pool.
Try not to get run over by the joggers!

The memorial just after sunset