Abraham Lincoln/Emancipation Monument
Park Washington DC statue depicting Lincoln and emancipation
A bronze monument in Washington, D.C., marking Lincoln and emancipation; visitors come for its historical significance, photographs, and guided tours that discuss Reconstruction-era memory and African American history.
The Abraham Lincoln/Emancipation Monument is a bronze memorial group in Lincoln Park, Washington, D.C., created by sculptor Thomas Ball and dedicated in 1876. It is one of the city’s 19th-century public monuments and stands within a landscaped section of the park.
The group depicts President Abraham Lincoln standing with a formerly enslaved man kneeling at his feet; the latter figure is shown with broken shackles. The composition is figurative and intended as a representation of emancipation rather than a literal scene.
The work was funded largely through public subscription and donations, including contributions from formerly enslaved people, and was executed by Thomas Ball in the 1870s. Over time the memorial has been the subject of public discussion and debate about its representation and meaning.
The monument sits in Lincoln Park on the northeast side of the U.S. Capitol complex, accessible from park paths and city streets; the site is managed as part of the federal park system.
- Sculptor and date: Thomas Ball; the group was dedicated in 1876.
- Setting: Sited in Lincoln Park near the U.S. Capitol, on public parkland managed by the National Park Service.
How to Get to Abraham Lincoln/Emancipation Monument #
Lincoln Park is a short walk from Capitol Hill. From the U.S. Capitol, walk northeast across East Capitol Street for about 10 minutes. Metro: Capitol South (Blue/Orange/Silver) is roughly a 15-20 minute walk; Union Station is about 20-25 minutes on foot.
Tips for Visiting Abraham Lincoln/Emancipation Monument #
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer tourists-midday tours and school groups can clutter the park.
- Combine the visit with a walk through the surrounding Lincoln Park to see other monuments and mature American elms.
- Be aware of the statue's controversial history-read the 2020 conversations about the monument beforehand to understand community sentiment.
Best Time to Visit Abraham Lincoln/Emancipation Monument #
Accessible any time, but mornings and late afternoons have better light and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Abraham Lincoln/Emancipation Monument #
Abraham Lincoln/Emancipation Monument's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1061 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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