The third President of the United States, in office between 1801 and 1809, Thomas Jefferson goes down in American history as the main author of the Declaration of Independence. Take a stroll just 1.6 kilometres away from the Lincoln Memorial and into the Tidal Basin area of the National Mall, and you’ll get to admire this charming pantheon-like monument, dedicated to the man who is admired not only as a great leader but also as a visionary thinker.
The memorial itself is based on the Pantheon, a tribute to Jefferson’s admiration for the classical style of Ancient Rome. Make your way up the tall marble steps from the base of the monument and you’ll get to savour the captivating view of the White House.
Head through the towering columns and gaze upon the huge six-metre-tall bronze statue of Jefferson himself. You’ll see the figure facing north towards the White House, depicting the man as the philosopher and statesman he was.
Look around the interior walls of the monument and you can read inscriptions from Jefferson’s letters and speeches, and even from the Declaration of Independence. From these you’ll discover more about Jefferson’s ideals, especially his values of religious freedom and the need to abolish slavery.
All kinds of events are held in the National Mall’s beautiful Tidal Basin all through the year. If you’re in town at the right time, you may even get to enjoy a jazz concert on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial, as well as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival held in the spring. If you hire a paddle boat from Tidal Basin Paddle Boats on Main Avenue, you can take to the water and enjoy a relaxing ride as well as a great view of the memorial.
The Jefferson Memorial is open to visitors all day every day.
