GK Quiz on the Lincoln Memorial with Answers

The Lincoln Memorial is a potent symbol of freedom and solidarity as well as a monument to tenacity. It invites reflection with its imposing position at the end of the National Mall and the thoughtful gaze of the 16th president inside its ornate columns. It was made in honour of Abraham Lincoln, who was the 16th President of the United States. He was the "Great Emancipator" who guided the nation through the Civil War. It was dedicated on May 30, 1922.

Life-altering speeches and historic events have taken place at this famous cornerstone. As a result, the Lincoln Memorial guarantees that it will remain a powerful national treasure that represents the tenacity of the American people. This quiz will help you to sharpen your understanding of the early history of the Lincoln Memorial, focusing specifically on the historical facts, grandeur, and notable artifacts. Let’s see how well you know this important part of American history! 

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GK Quiz On the Lincoln Memorial with Answers

Q1. The Lincoln Memorial's design is heavily inspired by ancient Greek architecture. Which specific ancient Greek temple served as its primary model? 

a) Temple of Olympian Zeus 

b) Parthenon 

c) Erechtheion 

d) Temple of Hephaestus

Answer: b) Parthenon

Explanation: Architect Henry Bacon deliberately designed the Lincoln Memorial to resemble the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, symbolizing democracy and classical ideals.

Q2. The 36 columns on the exterior of the Lincoln Memorial represent a specific historical fact. What do these 36 columns symbolize? 

a) The number of years Lincoln served as President. 

b) The number of battles fought during the Civil War. 

c) The number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. 

d) The number of members in the Continental Congress.

Answer: c) The number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death.

Explanation: Each of the 36 Doric columns represents one of the 36 states that were part of the Union when Abraham Lincoln died in 1865.

Q3. The site chosen for the Lincoln Memorial was initially controversial. What was a primary objection raised by figures like Speaker Joseph Cannon regarding its location?

a) It was too close to the Washington Monument. 

b) The land was considered an "ungodly swamp" and unsuitable. 

c) It would obstruct views of the Potomac River. 

d) It was too far from the U.S. Capitol.

Answer: b) The land was considered an "ungodly swamp" and unsuitable.

Explanation: The chosen site was on reclaimed marshland along the Potomac River, which Speaker Joseph Cannon famously dismissed as an "ungodly swamp."

Q4. The iconic seated statue of Abraham Lincoln inside the Memorial was sculpted by Daniel Chester French. What material is the statue primarily made from? 

a) Carrara marble from Italy 

b) Tennessee marble 

c) Georgia white marble 

d) Colorado Yule marble

Answer: c) Georgia white marble

Explanation: The massive 19-foot seated statue of Lincoln is carved from Georgia white marble, weighing 175 tons.

Q5. Beyond the famous seated statue, the Lincoln Memorial features two significant inscriptions on its north and south walls. Which two of Lincoln's most famous speeches are carved into these walls? 

a) The Emancipation Proclamation and the Cooper Union Address 

b) The Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address 

c) The House Divided Speech and the First Inaugural Address 

d) The Farewell Address and the Emancipation Proclamation

Answer: b) The Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address

Explanation: Lincoln's powerful Gettysburg Address is inscribed on the south wall, and his Second Inaugural Address is on the north wall.

Q6. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1922. Which of Lincoln's direct descendants was present at the dedication ceremony? 

a) Tad Lincoln 

b) Mary Todd Lincoln 

c) Robert Todd Lincoln 

d) Thomas "Tad" Lincoln (grandson)

Answer: c) Robert Todd Lincoln

Explanation: Robert Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's only surviving son, attended the dedication ceremony in 1922.

Q7. A subtle, yet powerful, Roman symbol is repeated throughout the Lincoln Memorial's design, including on the armrests of Lincoln's chair and at the base of the steps. What is this symbol, representing authority and unity? 

a) Laurel wreath 

b) Fasces 

c) Caduceus 

d) Cornucopia

Answer: b) Fasces

Explanation: Fasces, bundles of rods bound together, are an ancient Roman symbol of authority and strength through unity, prominently featured in the memorial's design.

Q8. The Lincoln Memorial has served as a backdrop for many important events in U.S. history. In 1939, a famous African American contralto performed there after being denied a venue elsewhere. Who was this performer? 

a) Ella Fitzgerald 

b) Billie Holiday 

c) Marian Anderson 

d) Mahalia Jackson

Answer: c) Marian Anderson

Explanation: Marian Anderson performed a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after being denied the use of Constitution Hall due to racial segregation.

Q9. In 1963, on the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement occurred on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. What famous speech was delivered there by Martin Luther King, Jr.? 

a) "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" 

b) "I Have a Dream" 

c) "The Ballot or the Bullet" 

d) "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Answer: b) "I Have a Dream"

Explanation: Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

Q10. The Lincoln Memorial is positioned on a direct axis with other major Washington, D.C., landmarks. Which two landmarks is it directly aligned with, creating a significant visual line on the National Mall? 

a) Jefferson Memorial and White House 

b) Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol 

c) World War II Memorial and National Archives 

d) National Museum of Natural History and Smithsonian Castle

Answer: b) Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol

Explanation: The Memorial sits at the western end of the National Mall, directly aligned with the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building to the east.

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