Explore the Hidden History of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC | WETA Arts
Video Overview & Insights
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington, DC—but its creation was far from inevitable. In this episode of WETA Arts, we explore the decades-long struggle to commemorate Abraham Lincoln, from the first statue in Judiciary Square to the grand Beaux-Arts monument we know today.
Discover the political battles, architectural rivalries, and shifting cultural movements that shaped the memorial's design and location. Learn about alternative visions—from Egyptian-style pyramids to towering Greco-Roman temples—and how the City Beautiful movement and key figures like Daniel Burnham and Henry Bacon ultimately influenced the final tribute.
Whether you're a history buff or curious about DC’s monuments, this deep dive reveals the fascinating and often overlooked story behind one of America’s most celebrated memorials.ABOUT THE SHOW
This video is part of "WETA Arts," a monthly magazine-style program from WETA that celebrates the visual and performing arts in the Washington, DC area. Host Felicia Curry explores the DC arts scene and presents a variety of stories, profiles, and discussions, introducing emerging and established artists alike.
Watch more short segments of "WETA Arts": https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx24Rcql20qL37u1qbWXb0FrxCcGIRKP7
This is an amazing segment--thank you...Thank You...THANK YOU!!!
Stream full episodes of "WETA Arts": https://weta.org/watch/shows/weta-arts
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest releases and recommendations!
https://weta.org/about/publications/newsletter
Follow WETA on social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wetatvfm
Instagram: https://instagram.com/wetatvfm