Jefferson Memorial: Difference between revisions
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| image = Jefferson_Memorial_Washington_DC.jpg | | image = Jefferson_Memorial_Washington_DC.jpg | ||
| caption = The Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. | | caption = The Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Jefferson Memorial''' is a presidential memorial in | 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 == | == Location and Setting == | ||
* Located on the | * Located on the '''Tidal Basin''' in '''West Potomac Park''' | ||
* Surrounded by cherry blossom trees — a major attraction each spring | * Surrounded by cherry blossom trees — a major attraction each spring | ||
* Offers stunning views across the water to the | * Offers stunning views across the water to the '''White House''' and '''Washington Monument''' | ||
== Design and Architecture == | == Design and Architecture == | ||
* Designed by architect | * Designed by architect '''John Russell Pope''' | ||
* Inspired by the | * Inspired by the '''Pantheon''' in Rome and '''Monticello''', Jefferson’s home in Virginia | ||
* Features: | * Features: | ||
- A | - A '''circular colonnade of Ionic columns''' | ||
- A | - A '''dome''' rising 129 feet above the rotunda | ||
- Constructed with white | - Constructed with white '''Georgia marble''' and '''Tennessee pink marble''' | ||
== Interior Features == | == Interior Features == | ||
* A | * A '''19-foot bronze statue''' of Jefferson stands at the center, sculpted by '''Rudulph Evans''' | ||
* Inscriptions on the interior walls include: | * Inscriptions on the interior walls include: | ||
- Excerpts from the | - Excerpts from the '''Declaration of Independence''' | ||
- Jefferson’s writings on liberty, education, and democracy | - Jefferson’s writings on liberty, education, and democracy | ||
* The statue faces toward the White House | * The statue faces toward the White House | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
* Construction began in | * Construction began in '''1939''' and was completed in '''1943''' | ||
* Dedicated by President | * Dedicated by President '''Franklin D. Roosevelt''' on '''April 13, 1943''', Jefferson’s 200th birthday | ||
* The bronze statue was added in | * The bronze statue was added in '''1947''' (wartime shortages initially delayed its installation) | ||
== Legacy and Symbolism == | == Legacy and Symbolism == | ||
* Represents Enlightenment ideals and the founding principles of the nation | * Represents Enlightenment ideals and the founding principles of the nation | ||
* Jefferson is portrayed as a | * 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 | * The memorial aligns symbolically and visually with other monuments on the National Mall | ||
Latest revision as of 01:13, 22 July 2025
| 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