When thinking of iconic monuments in Washington, D.C., many people may envision the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument. However, one crucial figure in American history is the third president, Thomas Jefferson. In his honor, the Jefferson Memorial was built, becoming one of the landmarks of Washington, D.C.
Location of the Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial stands just south of the Washington Monument, almost directly south of the National Mall, across the Tidal Basin, and close to the Potomac River.
Grandeur reminiscent of ancient Rome’s Pantheon
The design of the Jefferson Memorial resembles the Pantheon in ancient Rome, with its circular Ionic columns, dome, and a facade reminiscent of the Parthenon. Inside the building, there is a 6-meter tall bronze statue of President Jefferson. Surrounding the statue are excerpts from his letters and biographical writings, but the most notable is the inscription of the Declaration of Independence. His famous words, “All men are created equal, endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,” remain foundational to the United States to this day.
The ceiling of the building features a circular dome, and visitors are often transported back in time, reminiscing about the founding history of both ancient Rome and the United States.
Vast Tidal Basin to the north and cherry blossom trees
The Jefferson Memorial faces north, and the statue of the president gazes in that direction. Beyond the Tidal Basin, visitors can observe the Washington Monument slightly to the right (east), and in the distance, the White House can also be seen. Similar to the Lincoln Memorial, the president’s statue overlooks the center of political power, symbolizing vigilance and watchfulness.
Accessing the Jefferson Memorial, which is quite distant from the National Mall, can be done using hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses or bicycles
Tourist bus tickets are available for purchase on-site or in advance, and they often come in one-day or two-day passes. Opting for the two-day ticket allows visitors to enjoy a complimentary night tour in addition to the daytime sightseeing. Since the Jefferson Memorial is farther away from the main tourist spots, such as the Lincoln Memorial, there are fewer crowds, offering a serene and leisurely experience for visitors to explore at their own pace.
Visiting the Jefferson Memorial provides an opportunity to reflect on the founding era of the United States and ponder the ideals of Thomas Jefferson.
