What You See at the Back of the Lincoln Memorial

What visitors see at the back of the Lincoln Memorial

The back of the Lincoln Memorial faces the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument, presenting a composed view that differs markedly from the ceremonial emphasis of the front. While the iconic seated statue of Abraham Lincoln occupies the primary focal point inside the main chamber at the front, the rear offers a more muted, architectural perspective. This view is framed by thirty-six Doric columns, corresponding to the states in the Union at Lincoln's death, and presents a plainer, unfinished aesthetic on the exterior wall. From the plaza, visitors see the approach steps, the lower entablature, and the memorial’s relationship to the landscape and monuments around it.

Exterior rear facade and plaza context

Architectural orientation toward the Reflecting Pool

The memorial’s back looks out over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool toward the Washington Monument and, beyond it, the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall. This orientation was part of the larger 1901 McMillan Plan, which sited the memorial to form a visual axis with the Capitol and the Washington Monument. The rear elevation is intentionally less ornate, emphasizing the mass of the structure and the scale of the steps that visitors ascend when entering from the plaza.

Materials, maintenance, and structural elements

Constructed primarily from Colorado-Yule marble, Indiana limestone, and pink Tennessee marble accents, the back wall presents a relatively plain surface compared with the sculptural program at the front. Over time, weathering and cleaning practices have affected the marble’s appearance, and conservation efforts periodically address erosion and soiling. The terrace, stairs, and lower retaining walls are executed in granite, providing durable support and framing the approach from Constitution Avenue and the surrounding pathways.

Interior rear features and inscriptions

Inscriptions above the colonnade

Inside the memorial, at the upper level of the back wall beneath the colonnade, visitors can read the words of Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. The text is carved into the marble, with the familiar phrase 'With malice toward none; with charity for all' positioned in a way that is legible to those viewing the rear from within the chamber. This placement provides a contemplative counterpoint to the Gettysburg Address inscribed on the opposite side near the front.

Rear chamber sightlines and statue positioning

Because the statue of Lincoln is oriented toward the front, the rear interior offers a different compositional view: the architectural order of the columns and the alignment of the entablature create a solemn, open-ended perspective. The absence of sculptural elements on the rear wall allows the column grid and the carefully proportioned space to convey a sense of balance and restraint, reinforcing the memorial’s intent to honor Lincoln’s steadiness and moral clarity.

Comparison: front versus back of the Lincoln Memorial

Practical visiting and viewing considerations

Best vantage points for seeing the back

• From the Reflecting Pool: The view of the rear facade emphasizes the memorial’s scale against the open sky and monuments beyond.
• From the Lincoln Memorial Plaza: Looking toward the steps provides a clear sense of the approach and the relationship to the Mall’s landscape.
• From nearby monuments: The Washington Monument and Vietnam Veterans Memorial frame the memorial’s back in broader axial views.

Accessibility and circulation

The memorial is accessible via major paths on the National Mall, with step-free access available at the rear plaza in accordance with federal accessibility standards. Visitors using mobility aids can approach the back without navigating the main ceremonial steps, though interior access to the chamber may require using the entrance steps at the front. Circulation around the perimeter is designed to accommodate both contemplative viewing and ceremonial gatherings.

Historical and design context

Designed by architect Henry Bacon and sculptor Daniel Chester French, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922 as a national tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War and his enduring principles. The choice of inscriptions, spatial arrangement, and axial alignment with other monuments reflects an intent to present Lincoln as both a constitutional leader and a symbol of national unity. The rear view, while less photographed, is integral to understanding the memorial’s role within the larger ceremonial landscape of the National Mall.

Frequently asked questions about the back of the memorial

• Why does the back look different from the front? The rear emphasizes architectural mass and landscape views rather than sculptural narrative, creating contrast and balance within the memorial experience.
• Can visitors enter near the back? Public access routes include the plaza and terrace at the rear, but the ceremonial entrance and primary exhibits are approached from the front steps.
• Are the inscriptions at the back visible and legible? Yes, the Second Inaugural Address is carved at a readable scale for visitors viewing from the interior chamber or from elevated vantage points along the plaza.
• Does the back offer any views of the Mall? Looking from the rear, visitors can see the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument, and toward the Smithsonian museums along the horizon.
• Is the structural condition of the rear wall a concern? Routine conservation and monitoring address marble weathering and cleaning impacts, and any significant assessments are documented by the National Park Service.

Key facts at a glance

Conclusion

Understanding the back of the Lincoln Memorial enriches a visitor’s experience of the National Mall by highlighting how architecture, landscape, and inscriptions work together. The rear view complements the monumental front, offering perspectives on alignment, materiality, and commemorative intent that remain relevant for historians, designers, and the public alike.