The Lincoln Memorial is my favorite monument. There is something so stunning and special about it. I don't know if it is the large columns or the incredible statue of the past president. Or perhaps it is the view of the reflective pool? Whatever the case is, there is something awe-inspiring about it. However, I just learned that the Lincoln Memorial is hiding a secret. Also, it is one I would have never guessed.
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What Secret Is The Lincoln Memorial Hiding?
It turns out that the giant statue of Lincoln is not the only artwork on the site. The NY Post shares that "forty-five feet below the iconic sculpture of the former president is the sketch of a woman suspected to be Theda Bara — a scandalous silent film star from the time of the Memorial's construction."
That is right, apparently underneath our former president is a sketch of one of the most tantalizing women from the film industry. The drawing of the woman was found on the pillars in the basement, beneath the memorial. The image featured a woman with "dark lipstick dark eyebrows, dark eye makeup and a cigarette hanging from her lips."
So, how did people come to the conclusion that it was Theda Bara? Well, the word "Vamp" was written beside it. Seeing as her breakthrough role was her playing a character called 'The Vampire' in a film called A Fool There Was, I believe that is a strong indication. Furthermore, spokesman for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Mike Litterst, agrees that there is strong evidence indicating the drawing is of Theda Bara.
As it turns out, Theda Bara was not the only Lincoln Memorial secret artwork. Apparently there are also sketches of the cartoon characters Mutt and Jeff. As well as a drawing, of what is assumed to be, President Woodrow Wilson.
Who Is Responsible For This Artwork?
Experts believe a man named Johnny Bosco is responsible for the artwork. What makes them so certain? Well the fact that his name is signed near and within much of the graffiti is a pretty good indication. While it is clear that he had a connection to the artwork, his connection to the site still remains unclear.
If you are interested in learning more about the Lincoln Memorial secret then you are in luck. While the new visitor center they are creating will not allow access to the area where the graffiti actually is, they will likely display copies of the artwork in the center.
The NY Post shares that the "project is set to be completed by July of 2026." There will be a museum, store, and exhibit section so I am sure we will be able to uncover all sorts of hidden wonders about my favorite monument.
