The Thomas Jefferson Memorial: Legacy in Stone

Описание: Along the edge of Washington, D.C.’s Tidal Basin stands the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, a tribute to one of America’s founding fathers, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third president of the United States.

Designed by architect John Russell Pope, the memorial draws inspiration from the Roman Pantheon, reflecting Jefferson’s admiration for classical architecture and Enlightenment ideals. Its white marble columns and domed rotunda symbolize reason, democratic order, and the enduring values of liberty.

At the heart of the memorial, a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson holds the Declaration of Independence, surrounded by powerful excerpts from his writings on freedom, government, and education. Visitors are invited to reflect not only on his vision but also on the complexities of his legacy—championing liberty while owning enslaved people.

The memorial is especially breathtaking in spring, when cherry blossoms bloom around the Tidal Basin, making it a centerpiece of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Open 24 hours a day with free admission, the Jefferson Memorial is a place to pause, reflect, and appreciate both the promise and responsibility of democracy.

Plan your visit: https://www.nps.gov/thje

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