Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington D.C. (must see)
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial can be found in Washington, D.C., situated along the banks of the Potomac River. Interestingly, it tends to receive fewer visitors compared to other memorials, possibly due to its location outside of the National Mall. Consequently, a visit here is typically quite tranquil. Moreover, it enjoys a picturesque setting, positioned just to the south of the White House.
The concept for this memorial was conceived in 1901. Following extensive deliberation and multiple design revisions, it was ultimately dedicated on April 13, 1943, which is significant because it marked the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth. One of the primary points of contention during discussions about the memorial was its size. There were differing opinions regarding whether it should be grand in scale, comparable to the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial, in recognition of Thomas Jefferson's role as one of the Founding Fathers.
Ultimately, the proponents of Jefferson's affinity for classical architecture prevailed, leading to the construction of this imposing classical edifice. The open structure features a magnificent sweeping portico and houses a 19-foot tall bronze statue of President Jefferson beneath its dome. Notably, the statue that stands there today is not the original one from the dedication. Due to wartime shortages of bronze, the original statue was crafted from plaster and painted to resemble bronze. The current bronze statue was installed four years later.
Adorning the walls surrounding the statue are inscriptions of Jefferson's writings. An intriguing historical tidbit is the difference in wording between Jefferson's original "inalienable rights" and the final document's "unalienable rights" in the Declaration of Independence. At the Jefferson Memorial, the inscription adheres to Jefferson's original wording. While the site's beauty is ever-present, it is particularly breathtaking during cherry blossom season. The cherry trees adorning the area were a gift from the people of Japan.
The Jefferson Memorial remains accessible 24 hours a day, with park rangers on duty from 9 am to 11:30 pm, excluding major holidays.
Why You Should Visit:
Terrific spot to people watch and take in the DC skyline while sitting on the memorial's many steps.
Its backsides are often forgotten about but are also good for taking in the views and architecture.
Located at the back of the Tidal Basin, this is one of the most iconic and calming sites in DC.
Tip:
Make sure to check out the bookstore and educational displays downstairs. Restrooms available there too.
The concept for this memorial was conceived in 1901. Following extensive deliberation and multiple design revisions, it was ultimately dedicated on April 13, 1943, which is significant because it marked the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth. One of the primary points of contention during discussions about the memorial was its size. There were differing opinions regarding whether it should be grand in scale, comparable to the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial, in recognition of Thomas Jefferson's role as one of the Founding Fathers.
Ultimately, the proponents of Jefferson's affinity for classical architecture prevailed, leading to the construction of this imposing classical edifice. The open structure features a magnificent sweeping portico and houses a 19-foot tall bronze statue of President Jefferson beneath its dome. Notably, the statue that stands there today is not the original one from the dedication. Due to wartime shortages of bronze, the original statue was crafted from plaster and painted to resemble bronze. The current bronze statue was installed four years later.
Adorning the walls surrounding the statue are inscriptions of Jefferson's writings. An intriguing historical tidbit is the difference in wording between Jefferson's original "inalienable rights" and the final document's "unalienable rights" in the Declaration of Independence. At the Jefferson Memorial, the inscription adheres to Jefferson's original wording. While the site's beauty is ever-present, it is particularly breathtaking during cherry blossom season. The cherry trees adorning the area were a gift from the people of Japan.
The Jefferson Memorial remains accessible 24 hours a day, with park rangers on duty from 9 am to 11:30 pm, excluding major holidays.
Why You Should Visit:
Terrific spot to people watch and take in the DC skyline while sitting on the memorial's many steps.
Its backsides are often forgotten about but are also good for taking in the views and architecture.
Located at the back of the Tidal Basin, this is one of the most iconic and calming sites in DC.
Tip:
Make sure to check out the bookstore and educational displays downstairs. Restrooms available there too.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Washington D.C.. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Thomas Jefferson Memorial on Map
Sight Name: Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Washington D.C., USA
Create Your Own Walk in Washington D.C.
Creating your own self-guided walk in Washington D.C. is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Federal Buildings Walking Tour
The capital of the United States is home to several notable federal buildings that hold significant historical, architectural, and governmental value.
Among the stately 鈥渆mblems of authority鈥� in Washington D.C. perhaps the most prominent is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States 鈥� The White House. This resplendent mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Among the stately 鈥渆mblems of authority鈥� in Washington D.C. perhaps the most prominent is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States 鈥� The White House. This resplendent mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
DC Monuments and Memorials Walking Tour
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years," goes the famous quote by Abraham Lincoln.
Indeed, those remembered in Washington, D.C. 鈥� the renowned statesmen, politicians, fallen soldiers, and other distinguished persons 鈥� had their years filled with life to the brim. What they left behind is a great legacy manifested in historic... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Indeed, those remembered in Washington, D.C. 鈥� the renowned statesmen, politicians, fallen soldiers, and other distinguished persons 鈥� had their years filled with life to the brim. What they left behind is a great legacy manifested in historic... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Arlington National Cemetery Tour
"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example," a distinguished politician of the 19th century said once.
The historic military necropolis 鈥� the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia 鈥� is the final resting place for many of America's heroes, whose willingness to sacrifice for their country has earned them the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
The historic military necropolis 鈥� the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia 鈥� is the final resting place for many of America's heroes, whose willingness to sacrifice for their country has earned them the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Georgetown Walking Tour
Georgetown is a historic neighborhood situated in the northwest quadrant of Washington, DC. Despite its proximity to downtown, this former port area has preserved much of its distinct character. In Georgetown, "old-world charm meets modern allure," they say. Those poetically inclined tend to compare it to "a tapestry of cobblestone dreams and timeless grace."
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Washington D.C. Introduction Walking Tour
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia or simply The District, is the capital of the United States and, in many senses, America鈥檚 front yard. After the American Revolution, the need for the newly independent nation's federal government to have authority over a capital city and not rely on any state for its maintenance and safety, came in the wake of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Georgetown University Walking Tour
Georgetown University, established in 1789, is America's oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution. Spanning four campuses in Washington, DC, its main undergraduate campus in Georgetown features fifty-four buildings across 104 acres.
With its Gothic and Georgian architecture, serene green spaces, and Jesuit traditions, the university promotes academic excellence and global engagement. For... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
With its Gothic and Georgian architecture, serene green spaces, and Jesuit traditions, the university promotes academic excellence and global engagement. For... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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