Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC

Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Washington_Thomas_Jefferson_Memorial.jpg
Author: Fev


Jefferson Memorial is one of the president memorials located in Washington DC. The domed, Pantheon-like neoclassical structure located at West Potomac Park, on the north side of a man-made island between the Potomac River to the south, and the Potomac River Tidal Basin to the north. It is sited to the south of the White House.

Jefferson Memorial, across the Potomac River Tidal Basin
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jefferson_Memorial_Factbook.jpg
Author: UpstateNYer, Thingg


The Thomas Jefferson Memorial was built to honor Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States who was regarded as a Founding Father of the country. The memorial was designed by John Russell Pope and built between 1939 and 1943. President Franklin Roosevelt laid the cornerstone.

The construction of the Jefferson Memorial was mired with opposition from the locals. Many disapproved its location, as it is not aligned with Pierre Charles L'Enfant's original plan for the city. Also, some were unhappy that the elm and cherry trees along the banks of the tidal basin had to be removed for the construction. Nevertheless construction progressed amid the opposition. In addition to the location, it was also criticized for the choice of style, that it is a 20th century building trying to immitate a Greek or Roman temple.

Statue of Thomas Jefferson at the center of the memorial
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jefferson_Memorial_July_2010.JPG
Author: Jean-Philippe Boulet


In 1939, a competition was held to choose a sculptor to work on the statue of Jefferson, to be sited at the center of the memorial. The competition was won by Rudulph Evans, with Adolph A. Weinman selected to sculpt the pediment relief above the entrance. A statue of Thomas Jefferson, cast in bronze, was completed in 1947. It is 19 feet (5.8 m) tall and weighs 10,000 lb (4336 kg). The statue depicts Jefferson facing the White House.

Visiting Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC

The Jefferson Memorial is located off Ohio Drive SW, where you can find parking space if you come by car. Some walking is expected if you are taking the bus or subway. The nearest Metro station is the Smithsonian Metro Station while bus stops are on Independence Ave & 14th St SW near the Holocaust Museum.

Jefferson Memorial with cherry blossoms at dawn
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jefferson_Memorial_at_dawn.JPG
Author: Bobt54

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