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The Lincoln Memorial
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
23rd Street NW at Constitution AvenueWashington, DC 20002
119 reviews for The Lincoln Memorial
Incredbly grand monument and an unforgettable experience to visit this. LIncoln's huge statue is even bigger than I imagined. On the walls of the monument inside are the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's second inaugural address. Almost hidden above the quotes are some spectacular murals.
The Monument has a small visitor center inside which pays tribute to both Lincoln and Dr Matin Luther King, who gave his famous speech on these very steps.
Also has a nice view of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. This is a must see for any visitor's itinerary.
Parking is rough around here and unless you happen to be a tour bus or have a handicapped placard, you cannot park next to the monument. There is free parking available on Ohio Dr. and can be a bit of a walk.
The pimpest historical figure in all of D.C.
Oh, and the monument is beautiful. That's important to mention.
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Enormous columns that echoed granduer.
My first stop on the National Mall and a must see for all. Lincoln Memorial (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) sits at the West end of the mall.
Gazing up at Lincoln as he sat there with history all around him (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) its easy to feel just how much of an impact he made upon even our present day society.
His memory is enshrined forever in these huge marble and granite columns (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
Sitting on the steps you are left breathless at the surrounding beauty of Washington, D.C. So much happened here and is still taking place.
Martin Luther King and his march on Washington in August 28, 1963 is carved into the top of the steps where he gave his speech so many years ago and kept wet to still view (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
Pictures are snapped away by tourist to remember and share with loved ones who will have only an idea just how amazing this place is.
A must see!
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Enormous. Gigantic. Huge. Monumental.
All these words just pretty much describe the Lincoln Memorial. It's just so darn BIG.
With a lot of stairs leading up to stately columns and a surprisingly large space where the Lincoln's statue sits. His famous Gettysburg address is etched in the walls on either side of him.
It's just an amazing experience to stand there. The huge statue dwarfs even the tallest man. Then you look out to the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument and the WWII Memorial.
Just a gorgeous view.
Day 4 of my DC trip.
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Breathtaking. Amazing. Incredible.
I first saw this monument at night and it took my breath away. You see it on TV, but TV doesn't capture the actual grandeur of this place. As I approached I could see Lincoln glowing from between the columns. The spot where MLK, Jr. stood to give his, "I Have a Dream," speech is marked on one of the steps. The view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument is remarkable from here. I'm sure Abe and I could have had "a moment" here if it weren't for all of the people.
Beware, this was the most crowded of all of the memorials I visited both during the day and at night.
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The monument is beautiful in both daylight and night. You tend to underestimate the grandure of the monument until you are actually there looking at it. Washington DC offers a double decker tour bus ride that you can take here both day and night but it is just as easy to walk to from various locations in the are and the view of the mall is great from here.
It's a must see for the locals and for those taking a trip or for those os us who have been here often enough to feel like locals.
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The only way to fully appreciate this Monument is to actually go there - No amount of pictures, videos, or anything compares to actually seeing this behemoth of a monument.
This monument is the epitome of the American phrase "Bigger is better"
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A trip to DC would not be complete without visiting this monument. It is a beautiful and grand monument and I was very moved visiting it. Even bigger than I expected. We did not make it back to visit at night but hear it is even more stunning after dark.
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A must-see
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"And that's all I have to say about Viet-nam."
- Forrest Gump
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There is no better place in DC than right in front of the Lincoln Memorial. I love to go running around the Mall, and, no matter what, I always stop at the LIncoln Memorial to stare at just how awesome it is. My favorite thing to do is wave "hi" to Abe, and then turn around to see the reflecting pool, and behind that the Washington Monument and behind that the Capitol. Everything that is DC- the poltiics, the vastness, the beautfy- is all right there in that line. It's awesome.
If you're in the mood to visit the Monuments or you just want to be reminded how amazing it is to live in the Nation's Capitol, I highly recommend visiting the Lincoln Memorial every once in a while.
Now this is a monument. A great way to honor President Lincoln.
The only bad things are some of the rude tourists that keep cutting in front of your camera. Basically, it's too crowded sometimes because it's the best monument and every damn tourist seems to visit Lincoln and congregate on the stairs. Then you've got other people just standing at the top of the stairs trying to get the perfect Forrest Gump view for their pic.
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Coolest memorial!!! This monument is featured in so many multimedia presentations that it's impossible not to recognize it or get excited by finally seeing it. The structure itself is giant and magnificent. I came in the evening, so it was lit up against the night backdrop, and there was Abraham Lincoln, brightly glowing from his seat in the center. Awesome!!! How can someone not like this???!
We took a walk around the entire building to see the views, and the front view of the Washington Monument is particularly lovely as well. It was a beautiful place to be in the evening. I think I would come here more if I lived in the area - just to sit and think and be at peace.
After reading some of the reviews, I got the impression that tourist groups being around are a bad thing... I actually enjoy them
When I got to Lincoln's living room there happened to be a bike tour chaperone giving all the background info and fun facts about the Memorial so I listened on and even answered the question about which two states are not etched on it (Alaska and Hawai'i) Now if I can only get one of those neon vests
87 steps from top to bottom to represent "four score and seven years ago"
The spot that MLK gave his "I Have a Dream" speech is commemorated in front of Abe
For all who did NOT give the LM five stars
Start a fire and jump in
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All the monuments in DC are FREE!
This is a nice place to take tourists if they want to experience the history of DC.
It's open all night and safe.. police are always there 24/7. It's right in front of the reflecting pool. Lots of mosquitos by the pool at night though. Be warned. Great place to walk around with a significant other.
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This is probably my most favorite monument in DC. Being an amateur photographer, I love to bring my Holga and DSLR here to experiment, especially around sunset. It's absolutely gorgeous.
Standing on the steps and taking in the surrounding environment is quite powerful. All the other people standing there is a bit annoying at first, but you'll get over it. Sometimes it's useful - you can hand them your camera and ask them to take a picture of you.
I also love chillen on the steps and just people watching too. My favorite times to go is during winter when it first starts to snow and spring. Everything looks beautiful when it's covered in fresh snow and in the springtime the weather is great.
A definite must for both tourists and locals.
The statue, the inscripted walls, the building itself, all of that is wonderful. But it is the location, the view from the steps, that I think is actually the prettiest.
To look down over the reflecting pond, keeping an eye on Congress, it's just the perfect spot for this beloved president.
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Majestic in its size and beauty.
My friend proposed to his wife here - on the back side of the Memorial near the water. I wonder how many other couples have done the same.
Thursday- want to go to the Lincoln Memorial (nope- Smithsonian)
Friday- want to go to the Lincoln Memorial (nope- National Archives)
Saturday- want to go to the Lincoln Memorial (nope- Zoo)
Sunday- want to go to the Lincoln Memorial (nope- Georgetown Law School graduation)
Monday- need to leave for airport at 9 a.m. Whaaa?
One of the few things I had to do on my visit to D.C. (first in 20 years) was a trip to the emotional, powerful, and awe-inspiring tribute to our 16th President. This want was only intensified by the visit to the National Portrait Gallery where I spent some time in the room devoted entirely to him. I was breathless then, and again every single time I caught a glimpse of this great landmark.
In addition to the memorial itself, I had heard/read that the location where Martin Luther King, Jr. stood when he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech was now marked. Even typing it just now makes my heart beat a little faster.
Despite the fact that I was due to take off in the early a.m., I knew I couldn't miss this. Who knows when I'd be back.
I set my alarm early to go for a run- starting at Metro Center and making my way over. Seeing it from a distance and getting closer, my legs started moving faster.
I slowed when I got to the steps, and made my way up. Throughout my climb, I scanned the stones for the spot where MLK stood...and couldn't find it. I don't know what I was looking for exactly, but it seemed I couldn't find it. I figured I had heard/read wrong, so made my way in.
Here's a hint- weather permitting, go REALLY early. Like 7:30 early. I was the ONLY person there, other than those who worked there. Not having to push people out of the way to read the Gettysburg Address or the Second Inaugural Address, or to take pictures of the commanding marble figure was incredible. I got to see everything, take it all in, and not feel pressured for time. Truly amazing, and even though I'm exhausted now, it was well worth it.
Making my way down the steps, I finally saw the inscription in the stone. Blink and you may miss it, but definitely look out for it. And take a picture from that spot, because it's something you will want to remember forever.
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Hell yes.
My life is complete. That's all I have to say, about that.
"The war in VIET-fuc*in-NAM!"
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"If she were a president, she'd be Babe-raham Lincoln!"
"Any historical figure?"
"I'd fight Ghandi"
"Good answer."
"You?"
"Abe Lincoln. Big reach. Skinny guys fight till they're burger"
This monument lived up to the hype. A temple to Lincoln, who is a god to the current President.
Some tips:
It WILL be crowded. To avoid this go really late at night or really early in the morning.
I went at sunset and the crazy, epic skies make an excellent backdrop for the memorial. (it was PACKED with tourists though)
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How can you dis the Lincoln Memorial? The memorial is clean, well maintained, beautiful, and is something everyone should see at least once. It has the best view down the national mall and many of the other monuments. The statue of Abraham Lincoln is like the Statue of Liberty, you know what it looks like but until you stand right next to it you don't quite have the same respect for how important it is and the true size of it. If you have of choice of times to visit the memorial, sunset is a great time when the golden sun rakes across the columns on the side of the building.
Yup 5 stars and worth every single one.
The Lincoln Memorial is a fitting tribute to an American who made American great and it truly captures the spirit, integrity and unwavering belief of the man in what what was right.
The words that he penned himself that so eloquently summarises the equality of man is written on the wall for all to read, absorb and hopefully remember. There is also a small presentation in a room underneath the main hall that has more of his history as well as other speeches made at the memorial such as Martin Luther King Jr's 'I have a dream' speech. Sends a shiver down the spine.
The statue is great and the view down the mall across the reflecting pool, the Washington Memorial and the Capital state Building is one of the best in the city.
We walked in the pouring rain from the White House over here and it was definitely worth every single step.
Long may his vision and integrity continue to be a leading light in our countries' leaders.
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EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeveryone wants to see the Lincoln Memorial when they go to D.C. and that's why it's so crowded. Good luck trying to take a picture without a bunch of tourists (some of them stupid and doofy running around) crowded around nearby.
Though the lack of solitude or quietness when you visit can put a small damper on the experience it's truly astonishing to see the statue, trace the details with your eyes and since it's so tall you can at least take your pictures as close ups of the statue itself. Make sure to take a look at Lincoln's hands. There's different theories as to why he's sculpted with one fist clenched and the other open. The inscriptions on the walls are from two of Lincoln's speeches. If this Greek Temple designed monument is as close as I ever get to Greece, at least I got a taste of something close.
In addition, if you turn around and take a look at what Lincoln's looking at you'll understand why he hasn't sat up and walked away in all these years.
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An awesome memorial for our Nation's most celebrated President. It's probably my favorite memorial of them all. There's an awesome view of the mall from the Lincoln Memorial steps looking back towards the Capitol Building on the other end with the Washington Memorial in the middle. You can kind of get an idea of what it was like when Martin Luther King Jr stood there looking across the Mall to give his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. An inspiring memorial for an inspiring president.
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Out of everything I did in DC, I have to say that the Lincoln memorial was my favorite. I love coming here when the sun is about to go down .. sit on the steps and look out to the Washington Memorial ... but 1 advice I must give ... whatever you do DO NOT WALK right next to the POOL!!! Trust me!! I have the bug bites to prove it!!!
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1) This is much larger than I was expecting
2) The statue itself is beautiful
3) The building is really cool and provides an amazing views
4) I was there during the day, but I have heard and I can tell now that it must be amazing at different times of day and night
5) Go see this, it's one of the most famous memorials and landmarks in the nation.
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My favorite memorial by far. I specifically wanted to go at night. We got decked out and went to a fancy dinner, and then cabbed here for the night pictures. It is absolutely stunning at night, and I love that its open 24 hours to visitors.
The peaceful feeling, mixed with awe is something rare at this memorial.
We walked up the steps and turned around to see the stunning view of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument...and even the Capitol beyond.
Since it was late, the tourists have mostly gone, so we were able to get some pics of just us and Lincoln.
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Finally got to see the Lincoln statue in person. But what impressed me the most was not the memorial itself. It was the environment of the memorial. Together with the Reflecting Pool in front and the Monument at the far end, the scene is beautiful.
The down side is the stairs that lead up to the memorial. We came here on a cloudy day and it had a couple drops of rain. Since the whole building including the stairs were made with marble, it was super slippery. The stairs were steep and no handles in the middle. People had to walk down the stairs very cautiously or they would slip. While I was there, I saw two people fell down, luckily they didn't roll down the stairs. There is a tiny elevator around the corner for handicapped. But I still think they should do something about it. So be very careful when you visit the memorial on a rainy day.
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The Lincoln Memorial is a must-see for any tourist visiting the D.C. area.
The memorial is super packed and has more tourists than even the Jefferson Memorial. However, it is well worth it. I was able to get a clear picture of Lincoln's statue, which, from reading the reviews, I take proves to be a difficult feat. While I was there though, there was some sort of threat made, so everyone was evacuated from the Memorial, and THAT'S why I was able to get a clear shot of the statue.
Taking it all in, the size of the Memorial, the statue at the top of the steps, the Washington Monument directly across from it, I really felt patriotic. It is amazing what these men did and fought for to make our country, no matter how flawed, one of the greatest in the world. It truly makes you proud to be an American.
After watching Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, I had to take a gander at this place which took such a prominent role in the movie.
Unfortunately, in 1939, there weren't many people hanging out at the Lincoln Memorial. 60 years later, there are too many people to even appreciate what's going on. With everyone taking pictures, and you constantly being in the way of someone, there's no good place to just stand there and appreciate the magnitude of this massive monument.
While I wanted to mimic portions of Mr. Smith and read through the great words inscribed on the walls, there wasn't a moment to do it, before the crowds overwhelmed me and chased me out of there.
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If you plan on visiting any major tourist attraction in Washington, DC, after 11:00am, you will encounter herds of tourists that just may trample you into a flat ready-for-a-coin profile if you're not careful. The experience at the Lincoln Memorial is no exception.
This Memorial is designed for peaceful contemplation and Daniel Chester French's sculpture of Abraham Lincoln breathes such life into the marble likeness that you'll feel as if Lincoln may speak to you. And, he will if you get up early in the morning because he tires of the crowds, too.
Not too many years ago on a warm July evening, I slept on one of the benches lining the Reflecting Pool so I could get up at 4:00am in preparation for photographing Lincoln as the rising sun bathes him in orange light. Except for a lone worker hosing down the Memorial's marble floor, I was one-on-one with Lincoln and the experience was humbling. For me, standing at this one spot above all others in Washington, DC, made me feel connected to the concept of the United States. The sun warmed the marble interior as I took photo after photo. My moments at that hour of the morning were intimate and unforgettable. I don't know if I could still get away with sleeping on a park bench again, but I'd be tempted to do it if I could relive that solitary time at the Lincoln Memorial.
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The Memorial Walk is a must if it's a nice day. It will take you a few hours if you do it leisurely -- might be good to take a few snacks with you so you can stop and take it all in.
We walked from the Washington Momument, by the Pool, to Lincoln Memoral. This memorial is definitely the biggest and most amazing of all the rest - although the others are great to see as well (FDR, and Thomas Jefferson).
You can see amazing views from the steps - the pools, to the Capitol, to the White House.
Definitely a must see!
Sis: I've never felt so American and patriotic until I walked up the stairs and saw Lincoln looking down on me.
JennyK: Hmm...you're not American. Your passport is brown and it's in Chinese.
Sis: F*** you, B****!
JennyK: Ok, sorry.
Sis: It's the most overwhelming, overpowering feeling...
So....I expected this to be much BIGGER too...probably almost unrealistic ally bigger, but nevertheless it was quite a site. When you arrive, you will notice the diverse people that are there, black, white, European, Asian...many that barely spoke English, but they all were in awe and all we're very respectful of what Lincoln and this country stand for.
:D
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Excellent monument. From the steps you can see symmetry and full length of the Mall.
Some little known facts about the monument to increase your appreciation:
Lincoln's hands are positioned in such a way that they display his initials in ASL. This is because he was a big supporter of Gallaudet. There are some naysayers against this - but I like the story and it impresses any DC visitors you may be touring the monuments with.
Some claim they can see General Lee's profile in Lincoln's hair. I myself have never been able to see it, but then I could never get those MagicEyes either.
From the Lee Mansion in Arlington there is a beautiful view of this monument. I find the placement very fitting.
Finally, and this part almost angers me - the most over-looked spot in DC exists here. It is the spot where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Junior gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. An excerpt is carved into one of the marble slabs on the steps. You've probably walked all over it and never noticed. I believe this is where exactly where MLK stood when he gave his speech. I posted a photo (not my best) so you can see what to look for.
Nota bene: This monument is open 24 hours and nighttime monument walks are always beautiful. There's enough people (usually GWU students) around so don't worry about crime, but do be aware of your surroundings.
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Super cool. And you won't see how large Lincoln is until you walk inside.
And I don't care who you are, EVERYONE is going to think "Hey let's climb up on there"... Hahaha!
And I am so glad my brother didn't get arrested or something, because he DID. Oh where are my photos of that? :)
Security came out and told him to get down, he showed this his cop ID and they cut him some slack. He was just playing around and it is a great photo if we can find it. Cause we sure ain't gonna try that again. :)
WOW is what i have to say! It was surreal to see something so up close that Ive only seen in movies and pictures. I knew Lincoln's statue was huge but i didnt kno it was HUGE! I only got to see it at night but i thought it looked more nicer that way. Stop here if you can
As someone who constantly bitches about tourists in my own city, I shamefully decided to visit the Lincoln Memorial during my stay in DC. I donned my big sunglasses, hat and trench coat (lest anyone I know see my playing tourist) and made my way to the memorial. Once I got there, I immediately forgot about pretending to not be a tourist and was actually awe inspired by what I saw. I felt a sense of hope and possibilities, but also a sense of sadness for what should be and currently isn't.
I saw it at night (you know, to conceal my tourism even further) and have to say that the view from the steps of the twinkling capital below was also a sight I'll remember. Worth the trip, even if you have to play tourist for 10 minutes.
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I betcha that Lincoln really was that tall in real life... He was that tall in many hearts and minds...but in reality..he was a kind person. Imagine his thoughts, just imagine what he is thinking right now.....
That memorial is just magnificent and all those tourists just converge on this place...and all the VIP's...
Wow....Worth the time to check it out.
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The Lincoln Memorial is a must for anyone's DC stay. It truly is a very powerful experience walking up the steps and thinking about all the history that has occurred both on these steps and with this man. Lincoln himself is an amazing sight seeing him seated peering over the capital mall. Then one each wall are two separate speeches from Lincoln, one from his second inauguration and the second is the classic Gettysburg Address. Reading these you can almost hear Lincoln himself giving these infamous speeches. Then after this you have to come outside and sit on the steps and take it all in while looking at the WWII monument, Washington Memorial, and Capital dome in the distance. Probably one of the most picture perfect places in all of DC.
As said during the day and especially during the weekend this place is packed full of tourist with their camera, fanny packs hopping on and off their tour bus to snap a photo, which can get obnoxious. But if you can you have to do the monuments at night you can't beat Lincoln in the moonlight. It is peaceful and you really are able to take it all in without getting pushed out of the way of grandma and grandpa snapping their photos for their DC slide show.
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