Thomas Jefferson would really love the Jefferson Memorial, a domed monument inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.  The architect, John Russell Pope, knew Jefferson was a huge fan of classical architecture, and it’s set in the perfect location, surrounded by the water (and cherry blossom trees) of the tidal basin. 

The construction took place during World War II, and because metal was in short supply, the original statue of Jefferson was made of plaster.  After the war ended, sculptor Rudolph Evans created the 19 foot bronze statue that replaced the original.

There are inspirational words from Jefferson’s writings engraved on the walls, with many inscriptions from the Declaration of Independence. 

The Memorial is currently undergoing some renovations, but it’s still open to the public (except for the Plaza area facing the Washington Monument).  While you can visit the exterior any time, there are Park Rangers on duty between 9:30 am to 11:30 pm. 

I took the photo with my I-Phone on my way to an appointment. 


 

 

 

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24 Comments on The Jefferson Memorial On A Partly Cloudy Day

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUL
22
2010
726,453 Points 64 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ho Pat, I have always thought that this was the most wonderfully located monument because of its proximity to the tidal basin.  Very picturesque!
10:11pm • #5
1,057,267 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

D.C. is one of the few places that my husband hasn't taken me to yet. He's been there several times.
10:37pm • #6
1,348,813 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pat

Washington is a great city and I enjoy visiting the city a number of times every year.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig
10:49pm • #7
1,273,389 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Pat

That is a magnificent building; the architecture is simply stunning.
11:07pm • #8
469,772 Points 66 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Magnificent shot. Love the camera on the iPhone. The Jefferson Memorial is my favorite Washington monument.
11:21pm • #9
316,880 Points Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

The Washington monuments are fabulous and this is one of the great ones.  What a good photo taken with your phone.  Geeze, they have come a long way.  Thanks for sharing.

Sue of Robin and Sue
11:27pm • #10
592,595 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Excellent job for iphone pic, I am amazed mine always look dark for some reason
11:59pm • #11
JUL
23
2010
1,596,197 Points 437 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pat - IMO the Jefferson memorial is one of the most beautiful memorial structures I've ever seen,. Spectauclar at night, as I'm sure you know.

Jeff
12:03am • #12
1,939,038 Points 391 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Steve, I thought it would be fun to take one of the paddle boats out and snap one, but I think the fences would get in the way.

Jim, you should both come, and I'll show you some cool houses!

Lou, next time you come, you should let me know - I'll show you some cool houses, too!

Tom, I love it!  It's my favorite!

Mitch and Sue, I don't care what Consumer Report says about the I-Phone!  I love mine.

Marilyn, you can cheat a little bit and up the exposure.  I forgot to do it on this one, but here's what it would look like:

And Jeff, I have to try a night shot.  That would be amazing.

 

 
12:34am • #13
1,064,894 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Patricia, great photo and information!  It is on my bucket list!
12:50am • #14
585,313 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love all the monuments on the capitol mall.  Jefferson would indeed have liked his memorial.  He would have picked the same self-quotes for the walls.
5:54am • #15
276,190 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Loved this shot!  I have some great memories of eating ice cream on the steps of the Jefferson memorial with my kids when the cherry trees are blooming.  What a special place!  And I can't believe you got this with an iPhone!
6:36am • #16
661,794 Points 49 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I've always loved the Jefferson Memorial building. It's just different. You took a great shot Pat! Not bad at all for an IPhone!
6:48am • #17
3 Featured Posts

Pat...why bother with buying a camera when you are that good with an iphone!!! Lovely shot!!
7:39am • #18
389,293 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

A great majestic building and a perfectly symmetrical, balanced, and will lit photo. (Can you tell I'm a designer?)
10:11am • #19
909,258 Points 94 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Often over shadowed by the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial is one of the most beautiful of them all!
11:47am • #20
1,371,239 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks for sharing and bringing back memories of my last trip to DC.
3:38pm • #21
117,447 Points Called Shot Master

You should consider yourself lucky to live in the Nation's Capital. You have the best scenery in the world with these monuments.  Great photograph.
7:15pm • #22
JUL
24
2010
262,130 Points 5 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

Aren't we lucky to live with this kind of history?

MB
8:20pm • #23
575,503 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Dear Pat - Such a rich post on D.C. History. Loved it.
8:54pm • #24

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