Freed black slaves raised the funds to erect this 1876 memorial, which portrays the snapping of slavery’s chains as Abraham Lincoln proffers the Emancipation Proclamation.
Emancipation Memorial
Washington, DC
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1 MILES
Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.
2.54 MILES
Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…
13.56 MILES
One of America's most visited historic sites, Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington.
4 MILES
Sprawling across hills above the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s most revered…
1.58 MILES
The legendary exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St…
1.58 MILES
Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…
3.21 MILES
Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…
Nearby Washington, DC attractions
0.03 MILES
Lincoln Park is the lively center of Capitol Hill’s east end. Joggers and stroller-pushing families zip past the Emancipation Memorial, a statue of a…
2. Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial
0.08 MILES
The memorial, DC’s first statue of a black woman, honors the educator and founder of the National Council of Negro Women.
0.57 MILES
First you have to find the Fridge, a friendly gallery specializing in street art. Follow the murals into the alley across 8th St from Ambar restaurant…
0.64 MILES
Bard-o-philes will be all aflutter here, as the library holds the world's largest collection of old Billy’s works. Stroll through the Great Hall to see a…
0.67 MILES
One of the Library of Congress' three buildings, this holds 180 miles of shelving and is used mostly by researchers.
6. Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument
0.73 MILES
This brick house, only steps from the US Capitol, may not look like much, but throughout the 20th century it was ground zero for women fighting for their…
0.73 MILES
The ‘Eighth and Eye Marines’ are on largely ceremonial duty at the nation’s oldest Marine Corps post. Most famously, this is the home barracks of the…
0.75 MILES
The highest court in the USA occupies a pseudo-Greek temple protected by 13,000lb bronze doors. Arrive early to watch arguments (periodic Monday through…