Jefferson Memorial

Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.

The Jefferson Memorial is a presidential memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and a champion of liberty, science, and democracy.

Location and Setting

• Located on the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park
• Surrounded by cherry blossom trees — a major attraction each spring
• Offers stunning views across the water to the White House and Washington Monument

Design and Architecture

• Designed by architect John Russell Pope
• Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Virginia
• Features:

 - A circular colonnade of Ionic columns
 - A dome rising 129 feet above the rotunda
 - Constructed with white Georgia marble and Tennessee pink marble

Interior Features

• A 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson stands at the center, sculpted by Rudulph Evans
• Inscriptions on the interior walls include:

 - Excerpts from the Declaration of Independence
 - Jefferson’s writings on liberty, education, and democracy

• The statue faces toward the White House

History

• Construction began in 1939 and was completed in 1943
• Dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 13, 1943, Jefferson’s 200th birthday
• The bronze statue was added in 1947 (wartime shortages initially delayed its installation)

Legacy and Symbolism

• Represents Enlightenment ideals and the founding principles of the nation
• Jefferson is portrayed as a philosopher-statesman, surrounded by his own powerful words
• The memorial aligns symbolically and visually with other monuments on the National Mall

Fun Facts

• Over 3 million people visit the memorial each year
• The site is particularly popular during the National Cherry Blossom Festival
• Jefferson’s image also appears on the nickel and $2 bill

See Also

• Thomas Jefferson
• Declaration of Independence
• Monticello
• National Mall
• Presidents of the United States