Visiting the Jefferson Memorial

If you’re in the Washington DC area and trying to decide what to see, you certainly can’t see it all, one must-see destination is the Jefferson Memorial. The memorial is designed to illustrate the significant contributions that Thomas Jefferson made not just in politics, but also in architecture, science, writing, invention and education. Jefferson was a man of great impact in American history and the monument that honors him is worth seeing.

Most commonly known is that Thomas Jefferson is one of the Founding Fathers, the author of Declaration of Independence and a statesman. One interesting note is that Jefferson was the first secretary of state, the second vice-president then the third United States president. Jefferson also founded the University of Virginia.

The circular, colonnaded structure stands on the edge of the Japanese Cherry Tree lined TidalBasin area. The design of the Jefferson Memorial pays tribute to the neoclassical architectural style that he not only loved, but introduced into American culture. The architect John Russell Pope is credited for the plans used in building the Jefferson Memorial.

The memorial is reminiscent of Jefferson’s design for the rotunda of the University of Virginia and also the Roman Pantheon. Inside, visitors can see Jefferson’s words etched into the walls that surround the 19 foot bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson. The quotes used in the memorial are taken from Jefferson’s personal letters and also the Declaration of Independence, and are representative of his work and all he stood for.

The Jefferson Memorial is a worthwhile place to plan for when visiting Washington DC. The setting is lovely, the monument is amazing and the man, Thomas Jefferson, is certainly worth learning more about. His influence on United States history is far reaching and merits remembering. The Jefferson Memorial is an outstanding tribute honoring a significant president in United States history.