Lincoln Post Memorial, Newark

In front of the Essex County Courthouse stands the Lincoln Post Memorial, featuring a statue of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. This remarkable sculpture was created by Gutzon Borglum, the artist renowned for carving the iconic heads of four U.S. presidents at Mount Rushmore. The bronze sculpture depicts Lincoln seated at one end of a bench, larger than life size, with his bearded face reflecting a contemplative demeanor. His signature stovepipe hat rests beside him, emphasizing an informal and approachable portrayal that diverges from the traditional, monumental depictions of Lincoln.

The inspiration for this unique composition came from Borglum's research, which revealed that Lincoln often sat alone on a bench in the White House garden to gather his thoughts during the Civil War, especially during times of distress. This setting influenced Borglum to create a statue that captures a moment of quiet reflection, humanizing the president. The bronze statue is set on a low stone platform with five steps, positioned near the steps of the courthouse, inviting passersby to engage with Lincoln's likeness in a more personal manner.

The Lincoln Post Memorial was funded by a $25,000 bequest from Newark businessman Amos Hoagland Van Horn, who passed away in 1908. The sculpture was cast at the Gorham Manufacturing Company foundry in New York and was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt on Memorial Day, May 30, 1911. During the dedication, Roosevelt remarked, "Why this doesn't look like a monument at all!"鈥攁 comment that Borglum interpreted as high praise, as it confirmed his intention to create a piece that felt accessible and relatable rather than grandiose.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Newark. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: Lincoln Post Memorial
Sight Location: Newark, USA (See walking tours in Newark)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Newark Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Newark, New Jersey

Create Your Own Walk in Newark

Creating your own self-guided walk in Newark is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Newark Introduction Walking Tour

Newark, the most populous city of New Jersey, is also one of the oldest cities in the United States, established in 1666. Settled by Puritans from New Haven Colony, Newark was initially a theocratic community, which diversified as new settlers introduced different ideas.

Named likely after Newark-on-Trent in England, the city's moniker reveals its colonial roots. Alternative theories... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Newark's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Founded in 1666, Newark has no shortage of historic locations: districts, buildings, parks, cemeteries, and other venues. Much of its old-time architecture are notable sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

One such is the Essex County Courthouse, a striking example of Renaissance architecture, built in 1904. This grand building, with its impressive marble columns, ornate... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

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