Editing Lincoln Memorial (section)

==Exterior==
[[File:Lincoln Memorial east side.JPG|thumb|A front view of the memorial's eastern façade]]
[[File:USA - Lincoln Memorial.JPG|thumb|The Lincoln Memorial and its reflecting pool]]

The exterior of the Memorial echoes a classic [[Greek temple]] and features [[Yule marble]] quarried from [[Colorado]]. The structure measures {{convert|189.7|by|118.5|ft|m}} and is {{convert|99|ft|m}} tall. It is surrounded by a [[peristyle]] of 36 [[Fluting (architecture)|fluted]] [[Doric column]]s, one for each of the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death, and two columns [[Anta (architecture)|in-antis]] at the entrance behind the [[colonnade]]. The columns stand {{convert|44|ft|m}} tall with a base diameter of {{convert|7.5|ft|m}}. Each column is built from 12 drums including the [[Capital (architecture)|capital]]. The columns, like the exterior walls and facades, are inclined slightly toward the building's interior. This is to compensate for perspective distortions which would otherwise make the memorial appear to bulge out at the top when compared with the bottom, a common feature of [[Ancient Greek architecture]].<ref name=nrhp2>NRHP Nomination, p. 2</ref>

[[File:Lincoln Memorial Friezes crop.jpg|thumb|Detail of the memorial's [[frieze]]s]]

Above the colonnade, inscribed on the [[frieze]], are the names of the 36 states in the Union at the time of [[Assassination of Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln's death]] and the dates in which they entered the Union.{{efn|name=fn2|The date for Ohio was incorrectly entered as 1802, as opposed to the correct year, 1803.}} Their names are separated by double wreath medallions in [[bas-relief]]. The [[cornice]] is composed of a carved scroll regularly interspersed with projecting lions' heads and ornamented with palmetto cresting along the upper edge. Above this on the attic frieze are inscribed the names of the 48 states present at the time of the Memorial's dedication. A bit higher is a [[garland]] joined by ribbons and palm leaves, supported by the wings of eagles. All ornamentation on the friezes and cornices was done by [[Ernest C. Bairstow]].<ref name=nrhp2/>

The Memorial is anchored in a concrete foundation, {{convert|44|to|66|ft|m}} in depth, constructed by M. F. Comer and Company and the National Foundation and Engineering Company, and is encompassed by a {{convert|187|by|257|ft|m|adj=on}} rectangular granite [[retaining wall]] measuring {{convert|14|ft|m}} in height.<ref name=nrhp2/>

Leading up to the shrine on the east side are the main steps. Beginning at the edge of the [[Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool|Reflecting Pool]], the steps rise to the Lincoln Memorial Circle roadway surrounding the edifice, then to the main portal, intermittently spaced with a series of platforms. Flanking the steps as they approach the entrance are two buttresses each crowned with an {{convert|11|ft|m|adj=on}} tall tripod carved from pink [[Tennessee marble]]<ref name=nrhp2/> by the Piccirilli Brothers.<ref>Concklin, Edward F. (1927) ''The Lincoln Memorial, Washington''. [[United States Government Printing Office]]</ref> There are a total of 87 steps (58 steps from the chamber to the plaza and 29 steps from the plaza to the Reflecting Pool).<ref>{{cite web |title=Lincoln Memorial - Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.nps.gov/linc/faqs.htm#:~:text=How%20many%20steps%20are%20there,chamber%20to%20the%20reflecting%20pool. |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=29 May 2022}}</ref>