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 one hundred years on from when it was first unveiled, the Lincoln Memorial has firmly secured its status as one of the United States’ most important landmarks. Countless people climb the 87 stone steps that lead to the statue of the former president every single day. In fact, it’s Washington, D.C.’s most visited tourist site. And if you’ve ever been, you know it makes for an epic photo opportunity.

Anyone can go and see the Lincoln Memorial statue at any time they want. It’s open 24 hours a day, and it’s visited by over 7 million people a year.

Personal aura

Some of the Lincoln Memorial’s visitor appeal lies in its immensity and grandeur. Made of Georgia white marble, the impressive statue of the 16th American president sits at a height of 19 feet, although, interestingly, it was originally only intended to measure 10 feet. Fun fact: if the statue depicted Lincoln standing up, it would be a whopping 28 feet tall. If that weren’t impressive enough, the statue sits on a 10-foot-high marble pedestal.

And below this is a platform of Tennessee marble that’s around 34 feet long. But despite the memorial’s size, visitors might also be struck by its unusually personal aura. It somehow feels intimate.