Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Memorial

The memorial honors Abraham Lincoln, who led the country through the Civil War. The Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address are carved inside. In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech from its steps.

Official visitor website

All landmarks

Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Founding, Independence & Government
Civil Rights & Social Change

Why it matters

Why it may matter to you

The memorial shows how Americans have used peaceful assembly and speech — protected by the First Amendment — to push the country to live up to its ideals.

The fuller story

The memorial was dedicated in 1922 at a time of racial segregation, and the audience at the dedication was segregated. Later events on its steps, like Marian Anderson's 1939 concert and the 1963 March on Washington, reshaped its meaning.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.

Time to allow: About 1 hour (our estimate)
Setting: Mostly outdoor
Tickets and reservations: Open-air memorial; no ticket needed to visit the grounds.
Getting there: Metrorail and buses serve the National Mall; street parking is limited and paid. Many visitors walk between Mall sites.
With family: Expect lots of walking between sites; bring water and plan rest breaks. Strollers are common on the Mall.
Seasons and weather: Open around the clock; sunrise and evening are quieter.
Accessibility: Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)

Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.