The Arlington Memorial Bridge, a monumental construction project in Washington, D.C., spanned seven years, culminating in its completion in January 1932. Authorized by Congress in February 1925, the bridge was envisioned as a memorial, and its decorative features were extensive and intricate. The design process grappled with details such as tall columns, pylons adorned with statuary, Greek Revival temple-like structures, and groups of statues for the bridge ends. The actual construction proved more challenging than anticipated. Issues arose during foundation work, accidents occurred, and the complex bascule (drawbridge) span took time to build. Despite the bridge’s official completion, additional years were needed to finalize the memorial details. Budget constraints, exacerbated by the Great Depression, left portions of the project unfinished. The western terminus involved enlarging an island in the Potomac River, constructing bridges to the Virginia mainland, and creating a ceremonial entrance at Arlington National Cemetery. Meanwhile, the eastern approaches required a plaza near the Lincoln Memorial, connections to the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, and a “watergate” (marble steps) granting public access to the river.