Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool

A 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln sits overlooking the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument from his permanent seat on America's Front Yard. Dedicated in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has been home to many defining moments in American history. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in front of 250,000 attendees.

On those same steps, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place in August of 1963, with over 200,000 people journeying to the memorial and reflecting pool from all over the United States.

The Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool have been home to numerous events throughout history, making them iconic sites on America's Front Yard. 

In 2012, the Trust for the National Mall helped leverage funds for the restoration of the iconic Reflecting Pool. The deteriorating pool was leaking 500,000 gallons of water per week prior to repairs. The Reflecting Pool was completely rebuilt with sustainable water conservation features including a new water supply system, with water being drawn from the Tidal Basin instead of the city's potable water. 

Now equipped with a tinted bottom, the iconic Reflecting Pool is more reflective. Old dirt paths have been replaced with sidewalks for easier access, and subtle nighttime illumination fixtures have been installed to guide visitors along the pool.  

Using federal dollars that the Trust helped to leverage from Congress, the Reflecting Pool was rebuilt and slightly redesigned in 2012 to be more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.

The Reflecting Pool, modeled after the grand canals at Versailles and Fontainebleau, has mirrored these chapters in our history. Together the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool have overseen American history, from civil rights marches to the annual Fourth of July Fireworks.