Efforts to create a fitting tribute to President Abraham Lincoln began immediately after his death in 1865. Within two years, Congress had officially formed the Lincoln Monument Association. This association began seeking out craftsmen to bring the project to life. But, squabbling about the details delayed construction until 1914.

Ultimately, most of the memorial's architectural elements were finally completed in April 1917 according to the U.S. National Park Service. Specifically, two of Lincolns most famous speeches were inscribed on the north and south walls of the Lincoln memorial.

On the south wall of the memorial, the Gettysburg Address is clearly inscribed. We have the words that Lincoln delivered on November 19, 1863 during the dedication ceremony for the Soldiers' National Cemetery. This address was selected for its familiarity to many, but also because it displayed the president's strength and determination to see a successful conclusion to the American Civil War. That successful conclusion meant not just reuniting the nation, but finishing what America's founders had started. This nation must be one in which all are “…created equal" and where the rule of law and its practice will always exist.

In the end, this memorial actually took 8 years to build. At the official dedication of the memorial in May 1922, Robert Todd Lincoln was present. He was the 78 year old surviving son of the former president, and was someone who had visited the work site.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org