| 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