Nestled gracefully on the banks of Washington, D.C.'s serene Tidal Basin, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial stands as a profound tribute to one of America's most influential Founding Fathers. This iconic presidential memorial, a significant landmark in the nation's capital, was conceived and brought to fruition between 1939 and 1943, under the dedicated sponsorship of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

President Roosevelt envisioned the memorial as a fitting homage to the collective spirit and wisdom of the Founding Fathers of the United States. More specifically, he sought to honor Thomas Jefferson, whose monumental contributions included being the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence, a key figure in shaping the nation's early democratic ideals, and the founder of the Democratic-Republican Party. Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was also a polymath, an accomplished architect, philosopher, and the driving force behind the Louisiana Purchase, profoundly expanding the young nation's territory.

Architectural Grandeur and Influences

The memorial itself is a masterful example of neoclassical architecture, a style favored by Jefferson himself and prevalent throughout Washington, D.C. It is strategically situated in West Potomac Park, offering picturesque views across the Tidal Basin towards the Washington Monument and the White House. The design for this majestic structure was meticulously crafted by architect John Russell Pope, with its construction expertly handled by the Philadelphia contractor John McShain.

Construction commenced in 1939, a time when America was grappling with the challenges of the Great Depression and the looming specter of World War II, making the reinforcement of national identity and ideals particularly pertinent. The primary structure was completed in 1943. However, the impressive 19-foot-tall bronze statue of Jefferson, sculpted by Rudolph Evans, was added later, in 1947, taking its place at the memorial's heart.

Pope’s design for the memorial consciously references classical antiquity, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the Roman Pantheon, an ancient temple whose design is often attributed to Apollodorus of Damascus. Furthermore, Pope integrated elements that echoed Jefferson's own architectural genius, particularly his design for the rotunda at the University of Virginia, a testament to Jefferson's lifelong passion for classical forms and enlightened thought.

A Cornerstone of the National Mall

The Jefferson Memorial, alongside the White House, forms one of the pivotal anchor points within the monumental landscape of the National Mall area in Washington, D.C. This arrangement underscores its significance in the capital’s civic and historical layout. Interestingly, the original plan for the Washington Monument envisioned it at the precise intersection of the White House and the proposed site for the Jefferson Memorial. However, the marshy, soft ground in that specific area necessitated its relocation slightly to the east, resulting in its current, slightly offset position.

As a cherished national memorial, it falls under the diligent stewardship of the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, specifically managed by its National Mall and Memorial Parks division. This ensures the memorial’s preservation and its continued accessibility for all visitors. Its enduring appeal and architectural distinction were formally recognized in 2007 when the American Institute of Architects ranked it fourth on their prestigious "List of America's Favorite Architecture," a testament to its profound impact and aesthetic beauty in the national consciousness.

The Legacy Within: Inscriptions and Meaning

Inside the memorial, visitors are surrounded by powerful inscriptions – direct quotes from Jefferson’s writings – that articulate his core beliefs and philosophical contributions to American democracy. These carefully selected phrases from the Declaration of Independence, his statutes, and personal letters serve as a concise summary of his vision for a free and enlightened society. They include:

• On the northwest portico: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. We… solemnly publish and declare, that these colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states… And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." (From the Declaration of Independence)
• On the southwest portico: "Almighty God hath created the mind free… All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens… are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion… No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship or ministry or shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief, but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities." (From the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom)
• On the southeast portico: "God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever. Commerce between master and slave is despotism. Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free. Establish the law for educating the common people. This it is the business of the state to effect and on a general plan." (From various writings, including "A Summary View of the Rights of British America" and "Notes on the State of Virginia")
• On the northeast portico: "I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and Constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors." (From a letter to Samuel Kercheval)

FAQs About the Thomas Jefferson Memorial

When was the Jefferson Memorial built?

The construction of the Jefferson Memorial took place between 1939 and 1943. The iconic bronze statue of Jefferson inside was added in 1947.

Who commissioned the Jefferson Memorial?

The memorial was built under the sponsorship and vision of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who believed it was a suitable tribute to Thomas Jefferson and the Founding Fathers.

Who designed the Jefferson Memorial?

The memorial was designed by the renowned architect John Russell Pope. Its construction was carried out by Philadelphia contractor John McShain.

What architectural style is the Jefferson Memorial?

It is a prominent example of neoclassical architecture, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman structures like the Pantheon and Thomas Jefferson's own designs, such as the University of Virginia rotunda.

What is inside the Jefferson Memorial?

Inside, visitors will find a towering 19-foot-tall bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, sculpted by Rudolph Evans. The interior walls are also inscribed with four significant excerpts from Jefferson's writings, reflecting his core philosophies on liberty, education, and religious freedom.

Where is the Jefferson Memorial located?

The memorial is situated in West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., on the picturesque shore of the Tidal Basin, offering stunning views of other capital landmarks.

Who manages the Jefferson Memorial?

As a national memorial, it is managed and maintained by the National Park Service, specifically under its National Mall and Memorial Parks division, part of the Department of the Interior.

Why was the Washington Monument not built in line with the Jefferson Memorial and White House?

The original plans did intend for the Washington Monument to be at the intersection of the White House and the Jefferson Memorial's site. However, the ground in that specific area was soft and swampy, requiring the monument to be relocated slightly to the east of its envisioned spot.

What is Thomas Jefferson primarily known for?

Thomas Jefferson is most famously known as the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence. He was also the third President of the United States, a key figure in establishing the Democratic-Republican Party, and responsible for the Louisiana Purchase. Beyond politics, he was an accomplished architect, philosopher, and advocate for education and religious freedom.