History of Lincoln Memorial in Timeline

The Lincoln Memorial, a neoclassical temple in Washington, D.C., honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president. Dedicated in 1922, the memorial features a seated statue of Lincoln by Daniel Chester French, carved by the Piccirilli brothers. Henry Bacon designed the memorial's architecture, while Jules Guerin painted the interior murals and Royal Cortissoz composed the epitaph. A major tourist attraction, the memorial has become a symbolic setting for discussions on civil rights and race relations throughout its history.

1901: McMillan Plan Designation for Monument Site

In 1901, the McMillan Plan designated the site in West Potomac Park as the location for a future monument, comparable to the Washington Monument. This designation set the stage for the eventual construction of the Lincoln Memorial at this site.

1901: Initial Proposals for Lincoln Memorial Commission

In 1901, the first of six separate bills was introduced in Congress for the establishment of a Lincoln Memorial Commission. Despite initial defeat due to opposition, these proposals laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of the memorial.

1902: Continued Efforts for Lincoln Memorial Legislation

In 1902, additional efforts were made to pass legislation for the creation of a Lincoln Memorial Commission. Despite resistance, these efforts were crucial in the continued push for a memorial honoring Abraham Lincoln.

1908: Renewed Push for Lincoln Memorial Commission

In 1908, renewed efforts were made to establish a Lincoln Memorial Commission. Although these attempts faced challenges, they were instrumental in maintaining momentum for the eventual creation of the Lincoln Memorial.

1909: Lincoln Bust Featured on One-Cent Coin

From 1909 a bust of Abraham Lincoln appeared on the "heads" side of the US penny, until 2009

December 13, 1910: Approval of the Lincoln Memorial Commission

On December 13, 1910, the sixth bill for the incorporation of a new memorial commission was approved by Congress, leading to the establishment of the Lincoln Memorial Commission. This marked a significant step towards the eventual construction of the Lincoln Memorial.

1913: Approval of Lincoln Memorial Design and Location

In 1913, Congress approved the design and location of the Lincoln Memorial, as chosen by the Lincoln Memorial Commission. This approval was a pivotal moment in the realization of the memorial project.

February 12, 1914: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Lincoln Memorial

On February 12, 1914, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lincoln Memorial took place. Conducted by contractor M. F. Comer, former Senator Joseph C. S. Blackburn, and designer Henry Bacon, this event marked the beginning of the memorial's construction.

1920: Final Design Adjustments for Lincoln Memorial

In 1920, final design adjustments were made to the Lincoln Memorial, including enlarging the Lincoln statue to 19 feet tall and changing the entrance from a bronze and glass grille to an open portal. These changes contributed to the memorial's iconic appearance.

May 30, 1922: Dedication of the Lincoln Memorial

On May 30, 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated. Designed by architect Henry Bacon in a neoclassical style, the memorial honors the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It features a large marble statue of a seated Lincoln, crafted by Daniel Chester French and carved by the Piccirilli brothers. The dedication marked the beginning of its status as a major tourist attraction and a symbolic center for civil rights over the years.

1922: Symbolic Elements of the Lincoln Memorial

In 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was completed with symbolic elements, including 36 columns representing the states at Lincoln's death and murals depicting core principles of Lincoln's life. These elements contributed to the memorial's symbolic significance and historical importance.

1929: Installation of Ceiling Floodlights in Lincoln Memorial

In 1929, metal slats were installed in the ceiling of the Lincoln Memorial to conceal floodlights, enhancing the lighting of the statue and interior. This modification improved the visibility and presentation of the memorial's features.

1929: Lincoln Memorial on the Five-Dollar Bill

The Lincoln Memorial has been depicted on the back of the U.S. five-dollar bill since 1929, complementing Lincoln's portrait on the front.

1939: Marian Anderson's Historic Performance at the Lincoln Memorial

In 1939, Marian Anderson performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after being denied the opportunity to perform at Constitution Hall due to racial discrimination. Arranged by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes and supported by Eleanor Roosevelt, the performance became a symbol of the fight for civil rights.

1939: Lincoln Memorial in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"

The Lincoln Memorial was featured in Frank Capra's 1939 film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," where it served as a source of inspiration for the protagonist. Filming at the memorial was done discreetly due to restrictions.

June 29, 1947: President Truman's Speech at the Lincoln Memorial

On June 29, 1947, President Harry Truman delivered a speech at the Lincoln Memorial during the NAACP convention. In his address, Truman emphasized the need to end discrimination and outlined plans for comprehensive civil rights legislation.

1959: Lincoln Memorial on the One-Cent Coin

Starting in 1959, the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, the Lincoln Memorial was featured on the reverse of the U.S. one-cent coin, replacing the previous design, until 2008.

August 28, 1963: Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The speech became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement, emphasizing the demand for racial equality and justice.

October 15, 1966: Lincoln Memorial Listed on National Register of Historic Places

On October 15, 1966, the Lincoln Memorial was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance in American history and preserving its legacy as an iconic symbol of national unity and civil rights.

May 9, 1970: President Nixon's Meeting with Vietnam War Protesters

On May 9, 1970, President Richard Nixon had an impromptu meeting with Vietnam War protesters at the Lincoln Memorial. This event occurred shortly after the Kent State shootings and was part of the broader anti-war movement during that period.

August 28, 1983: 20th Anniversary Mobilization for Jobs, Peace and Freedom

On August 28, 1983, crowds gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the 20th Anniversary Mobilization for Jobs, Peace and Freedom. This event commemorated the progress in civil rights since Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and renewed commitments to address ongoing injustices.

1989: Tours of the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Halted

In 1989, public tours of the undercroft beneath the Lincoln Memorial were abruptly stopped after a visitor discovered the presence of asbestos and reported it to the National Park Service.

2003: Lincoln Memorial in Film and Television

By 2003, the Lincoln Memorial had appeared in over 60 films and television shows, solidifying its place as a prominent American landmark.

2003: Engraving of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speech Spot

In 2003, the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial was engraved to mark the 40th anniversary of the event. This recognition underscored the speech's historical significance and its enduring impact on civil rights.

2007: Lincoln Memorial Ranked Among America's Favorite Architecture

In 2007, the Lincoln Memorial was ranked seventh on the American Institute of Architects' list of America's Favorite Architecture. This recognition highlighted its architectural significance and continued impact as a cultural landmark.

2008: End of Lincoln Memorial Depiction on One-Cent Coin

In 2008, the depiction of the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse of the U.S. one-cent coin was discontinued. This depiction began in 1959.

2009: Documentation of Memorial's Appearances in Media

In 2009, Mark S. Reinhart compiled a collection of short sketches documenting the numerous appearances of the Lincoln Memorial in film and television.

2016: Significance of the Lincoln Memorial in Popular Culture

In 2016, the Lincoln Memorial's prominent place in popular culture, particularly in motion pictures, was highlighted by Mitchell Newton-Matza and Tracey Gold Bennett.

2017: Filming Restrictions at Lincoln Memorial

As of 2017, filming and photography above the white marble steps and inside the chamber of the Lincoln Memorial are prohibited by the National Park Service.

2022: Centennial Rehabilitation Project Announced

In 2022, plans were announced to open the Lincoln Memorial's undercroft to the public following a rehabilitation project funded by David Rubenstein, coinciding with the memorial's centennial.