Jefferson Memorial

202.426.6841

Written by Scott Messmore

It's a massive statue that fits the stature of the man it depicts: Thomas Jefferson. Cast in bronze, 19-feet tall and weighing in at five tons, the Rudolph Evens work dominates the interior of the Jefferson Memorial. Jefferson role in the American Revolution was nearly as indispensable as George Washington. Jefferson wrote the Declaration of

Independence while serving in the Continental Congress and the Virginia Legislature. The small lap desk that Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence upon is in the Museum of American History and the Declaration of Independence itself rest next to the Constitution in the National Archives. All of these objects are within walking distance of the Jefferson Memorial. Jefferson succeeded Benjamin Franklin as Minister to France and witnessed the downfall of the French Revolution. After returning to America, Jefferson served as Secretary of State and Vice President of the United States before being elected to the Oval Office.

Jefferson Memorial Modeled after Pantheon in Rome

The Jefferson Memorial was finished in 1943 after five years of construction. Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the Jefferson Memorial is made

of marble from the State of Vermont on the outside and white marble from Georgia lines the walls. The statue of Jefferson rests on Minnesota marble and is surrounded by pink marble from Tennessee.

Hours of Operation and Location

The Jefferson Memorial overlooks the Tidal Basin and is open to the public every day starting at 8 a.m. and closing at 11:45 p.m. Parking on site is available.

For more information call 202-426-6821.

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