A six-foot-tall wax statue of Abraham Lincoln began to melt over the weekend in Washington DC’s intense heat, ultimately losing its head. The statue, a replica of the Lincoln Memorial created by artist Sandy Williams IV, experienced severe damage with its head detached, legs separated from the torso, and the right foot melted by Monday.
Heatwave hits Washington DC
Washington DC saw temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, contributing to the statue’s demise. The wax statue was installed outdoors on the campus of an elementary school in Northwest Washington in February this year by CulturalDC, a non-profit organization.
“Our staff has purposely removed Lincoln’s head to prevent it from falling and breaking,” CulturalDC stated. The organization explained that the 3,000 lb wax sculpture was designed to change over time like a candle, but the extreme heat accelerated the process. The wax used has a congealing point of 140 degrees, leading to its rapid melting.
Historical significance of the installation
Titled “40 ACRES: Camp Barker,” the installation was meant to remain at the school until September. CulturalDC highlighted that the piece comments on DC’s history of Civil War-era Contraband Camps, which housed formerly enslaved and free African Americans. Camp Barker was located where Garrison Elementary now stands.
US heatwave continues
Several parts of the US are experiencing extreme temperatures, with weather forecasters warning residents in the central and eastern regions to prepare for continued heat waves this month. Last year, the US experienced its highest number of heat waves since 1936, prompting officials to warn residents to take precautions against the heat.