Two hundred years after his birth, the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln continues to fascinate and inspire. Born into poverty on the edge of an untamed frontier, his rise from obscurity to greatness has become a symbol of the universal hope that we can all improve our circumstances in life.
Lincoln's family life has also generated interest over the years. Although some claim that his marriage to the volatile Mary Todd was a burden to Abe, others point to the love that both parents clearly had for their four sons.
His twin great accomplishments, ending the scourge of American slavery while simultaneously preserving the Union of States during its most challenging crisis, have led many to name him American's greatest statesman.
Utilizing some of our finest manuscripts, artifacts, and broadsides the Lincoln Memorial Shrine is proud to host a special exhibit commemorating the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth.
It was Robert Watchorn’s desire that upon entering the Shrine the attention of the visitor would be drawn to the prominent Carrara marble bust of Lincoln by noted sculptor George Grey Barnard. Above this bust would be a series of murals, affixed to the dome of the Shrine. These heroic female figures, or “the better angels of our nature” as Lincoln would call them, depict the aspects of Lincoln’s character that contributed to his success as President.
The heroines of the dome portray Strength, Loyalty, Faith, Courage, Tolerance, Patience, Wisdom, and Justice.
Heroines of the Dome
