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“The only west coast Lincoln memorial”
The Lincoln Memorial Shrine is a museum/research facility dedicated to Abraham Lincoln & the Civil War. This is the only West Coast institution dedicated to America's greatest president and most sanguinary war. The Lincoln Memorial Shrine was originally designed in an octagon shape by noted Southern California architect Elmer Grey in 1932. The construction of reinforced concrete was faced with Bedford Indiana limestone plates upon which are inscribed excerpts from Lincoln's speeches. Although the original plan called for 75 foot long patio wings to extend from each side of the Shrine, complete with fountains, benches, and additional inscriptions, it was not until 1937 that these areas were added. The additions were crafted from the same material used in the octagon with the Indiana limestone selected to match before leaving the quarry. As originally planned, these patio areas featured additional excerpts from Lincoln’s speeches inscribed into the walls and fountains designed by noted American sculptor Merrill Gage. Robert Watchorn had always desired to expand his facility, but the lingering effects of the Great Depression followed by the start of World War II caused him to postpone his plans. In 1944 Watchorn passed away his dreams unfulfilled.On February 12, 1998, Watchorn’s desire for an enlarged facility was realized when the newly expanded Shrine was rededicated. After four and a half years of fund raising two new wings were added to the original octagon where the patio areas had been located. The design called for moving the fountain and pool areas forward. Careful removal and repositioning of the limestone panels, and the selection of new materials have created a harmonious blend of new wings with original octagon.The interior of the Shrine features bookcases from Circassian walnut in the original octagon. The woodwork in the new wings was chosen to complement the original furnishings.
Great free museum exhibit ! Truly a testament to Lincoln's history and legacy. There's a lot of interesting and in depth information, artifacts, photos from the Civil War, sculptures, a... Read more
Great museum to check out in downtown Redlands dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. Why here? Because its founder, Robert Watchorn, a wealthy man of this area was a great admirer of the President. By... Read more
I thought Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln was the only shrine in California to president Lincoln, but no! This is an actual shrine built for the love of Lincoln! Honestly was checking out the area... Read more
Lincoln Memorial Shrine
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- Sun, Tue - Sat: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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