Lincoln Memorial Education Series: Royal Cortissoz and the Epitaph

Lincoln Statue and Epitaph

NPS Photo

Grade Level:

Middle School: Seventh Grade thru Eighth Grade, High School: Ninth Grade thru Twelfth Grade

Objectives:

Students will analyze the Lincoln Memorial epitaph to determine its meaning.

Guiding Questions:

What does the epitaph say about the Lincoln Memorial?
Do you think the inscription accurately describes the meaning of the memorial?

Drawing of the Lincoln Memorial Epitaph which reads "IN THIS TEMPLE AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS ENSHRINED FOREVER"

Library of Congress

Vocabulary

Epitaph: a phrase or statement written in memory of a person

Memorial: a structure, established to remind people of a person or event

Royal Cortissoz, ca. 1920

Unknown Photographer, Smithsonian Institute Archives of American Art

Think About It!

Royal Cortissoz, an art critic and columnist for the New York Herald Tribune, was asked to write the words that appears above the Lincoln Statue. He believed the inscription should be simple, easy to remember and convey one great idea that would appeal to everyone.

• What did the Lincoln Memorial mean to Royal Cortissoz?

• Do you agree that the inscription appeals to everyone?

In 1919, Cortissoz justified his inscription after receiving some criticism. “The memorial must make a common ground for the meeting of the North and the South. By emphasizing his saving the union, you appeal to both sections. By saying nothing about slavery you avoid the rubbing of old sores?”

• What do you think about Cortissoz’s justification for ignoring slavery?

• Do you think the inscription should be changed?

• Rewrite the inscription so that it reflects what you believe the memorial symbolizes