A Closer Look At The Lincoln Memorial Highlights A Coded Message Hidden In Abe’s Hands
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most recognizable monuments in the United States, and as such, it's also steeped in an air of mystery. Built as a tribute to the 16th president, the structure draws millions of visitors year after year. But despite its landmark iconography, the monument still conceals several secrets that most people stare right in the face without ever noticing.
Epic photo op
One hundred years on from when it was first unveiled, the Lincoln Memorial has firmly secured its status as one of America’s most important landmarks. Countless people climb the 87 stone steps that lead to the statue of the former president every single day. It makes for an epic photo op.
Personal aura
But despite the monument’s immensity and grandeur, visitors might also be struck by its unusually personal aura. Even though the statue of Lincoln is enormous and rests within a sort of temple, it somehow feels intimate. While other famous statues are depicted as more god-like, this one makes the subject seem human.
The big reveal
Harry Rubenstein, a curator in the political history wing of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, gave an expert's perspective on exactly why the Lincoln Memorial sits head and shoulders above other famous global landmarks. Speaking to National Geographic magazine, he said, “As far as monuments go, this is a really, really good one. It has that temple-like quality, and the statue reveals itself slowly as you walk up the steps — it doesn’t hit you all at once. And as you move up, you are made small by this incredible statue.”
Rich with symbolism
While the sheer scale of the giant Lincoln perched in a chair is what most people take in, the Lincoln Memorial is also richly symbolic. But some of the messages hidden within the statue’s design can be difficult to pick up on. So they tend to be missed by the average observer.
