Jefferson Memorial - The Tidal Basin, Washington D.C.

This memorial is set in one of the city's most attractive areas. If you have been to the Pantheon in Rome, this building will probably look familiar to you. It has the classic Roman design that so many buildings here have. Inside, you will see a large bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson as well as some of his most famous quotes. the memorial is set on the Tidal Basin. Many people rent paddleboats near here. One of the best times to be here is the Cherry Blossom Festival. It usually takes place near the beginning of April.

The Jefferson Memorial is free, open all year, and dedicated to one of the main architects of America. His tombstone says it all, "Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia."

It's architecture references his own home of Montecello, with the perfect sphere supported by columns. Within is a large bronze statue of Jefferson, gazing across the tidal basin.

The tidal basin is popular in Spring, when the cherry blossoms gifted by Japan to the US come out. Everyone takes pictures of their wives/girlfriends with these pink blossoms.

I liked the Jefferson Memorial the best of the memorials I saw in Washington, D.C., even though it seemed a little harder to get to. It's in a beautiful setting on the water, and Jefferson is an excellent representative of the great ideals that America was founded upon: liberty; education for all; separation of church and state. There are several quotes of his engraved inside the monument. This one really stood out to me, especially the last line!

"I am certainly not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."

The Jefferson Memorial is aptly named since it was named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. He was also a man of many talents. He was also a political philosopher, architect, musician, book collector, scientist, horticulturist, diplomat, and inventor!!

In the memorial, you will find a gigantic statue of Thomas Jefferson surrounded by four panels. You can definately see the philosopher come out in the writings. The fourth panel reads:

"I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."

Check it out for yourself. You can also find some neat views of Washington DC from this area!!!

ADMISSION: Free

HOURS: Daily except December 25th.

The area around the memorial is beautiful and wooded. If you visit in the spring and are lucky, you may be treated to the sight of cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This structure stands as a wonderful tribute to one of our nation's founding father's and former presidents.

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the U.S., was also an architect, musician, scientist, inventor, and many other titles. Therefore, the design of Jefferson Memorial was modeled after Pantheon in Rome to honor Jefferson's contribution in introducing the neoclassical architectural style into America.

The two buildings look alike, but there are many differences. For instance, the Jefferson Memorial is one size smaller. The Pantheon brings in skylight through a round hole on the top of dome while Jefferson Memorial brings in natural light through open walls. As to architectural achievement there's no comparison. But I still like Jefferson Memorial and its great view towards Tidal Basin and Washington Monument.

As every schoolchild knows, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and was the third president of the United States.

I've never actually been to the Jefferson Memorial so it is not so much a 'must-see' for me, although I have been to Monticello in Charlottesville, VA). I took this shot from a plane in 1958 when I came home for Thanksgiving and landed at old National Airport.

Ground breaking: December 15, 1938.
Architect: John Russell Pope.
Cornerstone laid: November 15, 1939.
Sculpture of Jefferson statue: Rudolph Evans
Dedicated - April 13, 1943

The memorial is free and is open 8:00 am until 11:45 pm every day except Christmas. There is a small museum, and in the basement (accessible by elevators) are rest rooms and a bookstore.

The end of March and beginning of April is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in the tidal basin of the capital of the United States of America. The weather can be a bit temperamental, but well worth the trials. There are monuments to visit: Jefferson Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. The Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and others are nearby. If you don't want to miss the major touristy things, these are some great places to see.