Many Americans honor Abraham Lincoln and George Washington on Presidents’ Day, which falls on February 21 this year. Both of the former presidents were born in February. But Lincoln’s celebration will last a lot longer this time. That’s because 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of his namesake monument, the Lincoln Memorial.
The memorial is one of the most breathtaking—and most popular—landmarks in Washington, D.C. It was built in the nation’s capital on the National Mall as a tribute to the 16th U.S. president. Lincoln led the nation during the Civil War (1861-1865) and was assassinated just days after the war ended.
Construction of the memorial started in 1914 and took eight years to complete. It officially opened to the public in May 1922. The white marble monument is modeled after an ancient Greek temple. Inside, a 19-foot-tall statue of Lincoln sits atop a 10-foot-high pedestal.
In honor of the centennial, the landmark is getting a makeover. Set to be finished this year, the update will offer new visitor space under the memorial—including views of graffiti left by construction workers more than a century ago.