About the Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial, housing a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson and several of his quotes, was built from 1938 to 1943, though the bronze statue was not added until 1947, due to metal shortages during World War II. The design was chosen in a design competition, won by John Russel Pope in 1935. He died before construction even began, leaving the work to his partners, Daniel P. Higgins and Otto R. Eggers.
The Jefferson Memorial is located on the shore of the Potomac River Tidal Basin, in West Potomac Park. There are many Japanese cherry trees surrounding the domed monument. The site was originally made by a landfill, dredged from the river. The location became a popular beach for locals before the monument was built.
Visiting the Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial is open to the elements, and the public, 24 hours a day, free of charge, though park rangers stay only until 11:30 pm.
Pictures of the Jefferson Memorial
