Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, 2006

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is the largest of the many reflecting pools in Washington, D.C., United States. It is a long and large rectangular pool located on the National Mall, directly east of the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument to the east of the reflecting pool.[1] Part of the iconic image of Washington, the reflecting pool hosts many of the 24 million visitors a year who visit the National Mall.[2] It is lined by walking paths and shade trees on both sides. Depending on the viewer's vantage point, it dramatically reflects the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall's trees, and/or the expansive sky.

Description

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was designed by Henry Bacon, and was constructed in 1922 and 1923, following the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial. It is approximately 2,029 feet (618 m) long (over a third of a mile) and 167 feet (51 m) wide. It has a depth of approximately 18 inches (46 cm) on the sides and 30 inches (76 cm) in the center. It holds approximately 6,750,000 U.S. gallons (25,500,000 L) of water.[3]

Restoration

Using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the National Park Service reconstructed the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The pool's water supply system was updated to eliminate stagnant water by circulating water from the Tidal Basin; the pool was formerly filled using potable water from the city. Paved walking paths were added to the north and south sides of the pool to replace worn grass and to prevent further erosion.[4] Construction on the 18-month, $30.7 million project began in November 2010. In May 2011, workers began sinking the first of 2,113 wood pilings into a 40-foot deep layer of soft, marshy river clay and some dredged material atop bedrock to support a new pool.[5] The pool reopened on August 31, 2012. The project was managed by the Louis Berger Group.[6]

Events

Located at the base of the Lincoln Memorial's steps, the Reflecting Pool area has been the site of many historic events, including:

References

  1. "Foundation Statement for the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Park" (PDF), National Park Service, retrieved 2010-05-20
  2. Goodman, Alana (2010-04-02), "Reflecting Pool to close for up to 2 years", The Washington Examiner, retrieved 2010-04-23
  3. "Deconstructing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool". Watercrunch. 2009-01-19. Archived from the original on 4 September 2013. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
  4. MacSpadden, Lisa; Staudigl, Stephen (2010-04-01), "NCPC Adopts CapitalSpace Plan and Approves Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool/Grounds Rehabilitation and St. Elizabeths West Campus Perimeter Security", National Capital Planning Commission, News Release, retrieved 2010-04-23
  5. Ruane, Michael E. (2011-05-11). "Deep-rooted support for new Lincoln pool". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: The Washington Post Co. pp. B1, B5. Retrieved 2011-05-11.
  6. Henning, Tyler (April 2013). "Improved Filtration Revitalizes a National Treasure". Modern Pumping Today. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
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Coordinates: 38°53′21″N 77°02′42″W / 38.8893°N 77.045°W / 38.8893; -77.045

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