Gleaming under the Washington D.C. sun, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool awaits. It is more than just a large pool. It’s a mirror to history.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is the largest reflecting pool in the city. It sits on the National Mall. The pool stretches impressively, measuring 2,030 feet long and 167 feet wide. That’s nearly half a mile. Its size contributes to the iconic image of Washington, D.C.
Designed by Henry Bacon, construction finished in 1923. The pool holds around 6,750,000 gallons of water. Its depth varies from 18 inches on the sides to 30 inches in the center.
The pool dramatically reflects the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. It also reflects the trees and the expansive sky. This creates stunning visual effects. Millions visit each year.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has seen many historic events. In 1939, Marian Anderson sang here after being denied a venue due to her race. Over 75,000 people attended.
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech here. It was during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. A crowd of 250,000 people stood around the pool.
In 2010, a major restoration project began. The pool’s water system was updated. It now uses water from the Tidal Basin instead of city water. This saves about 17 million gallons of municipal water each year. New walkways were added.
The restoration wasn’t without issues. Algae plagued the pool shortly after reopening. The pool had to be drained and cleaned at a cost of $100,000. An ozone disinfectant system was installed to combat algae.
In 2017, the pool was drained again. This time, it was to control a parasite outbreak that was infecting snails. This parasite caused swimmer’s itch.
Today, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool remains a central gathering place. It is a site for reflection and remembrance. The wide sidewalks provide access for everyone. People of all ages can enjoy the views. It’s a place to slow down. It’s a place to appreciate the beauty of the nation’s capital. The pool continues to mirror history. It reflects both the past and the present.