You are here

Home » Little-Known Area Of The Lincoln Memorial Could Be Opened To The Public

Little-Known Area Of The Lincoln Memorial Could Be Opened To The Public

Share
By NPT Staff - July 1st, 2017

The Lincoln Memorial could be getting some upgrades before the 100th anniversary of its dedication in 2022/NPS

With the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial’s dedication coming up in 2022, the National Park Service has proposed upgrades that would allow people to view a little-known area below the memorial known as the undercroft and improve visitor services at the often-congested site in time for a centennial celebration.

In the undercroft, visitors would be able to view the foundations that anchor the memorial to the bedrock and see the graffiti of the construction workers who built it in the early 20th century. Opening the cathedral-like space also would help relieve pressure on overcrowded areas of the monument. The project also would address outdated restrooms, add a second elevator to the memorial chamber while improving the current one, move and expand the museum store, and add exhibits and classrooms.

Comments are being accepted on the project through July 10.

“The project would provide a new experience to visitors at one of the most heavily visited sites on the National Mall and would allow the park to tell new and expanded stories related to the memorial and its construction, while respecting of the historic character and intended solemnity of the memorial,” Gay Vietzke, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, wrote in a letter that outlines the proposal.

The Lincoln Memorial commemorates Abraham Lincoln, one of the most-venerated presidents in American history. Designed by architect Henry Bacon and constructed between 1914 and 1922, the memorial takes the form of a Greek temple and features a portrait sculpture of the Great Emancipator by Daniel Chester French. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

To comment

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.