Tuesday, November 6, 2012

National Parks: Thomas Jefferson Memorial - Washington, DC


Interesting Places I've Photographed
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Washington, DC
Topic: National Parks


GPS: N38° 52.922; W077° 02.194

Quick Description: 

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is regarded by many as Washington's most beautiful monument. Its beauty is enhanced when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Long Description:

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a neoclassical building in the style of the Pantheon in Rome and was influenced by Jefferson's Rotunda at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. It was designed by John Russell Pope. Construction began in 1939 and completed in 1943. The bronze statue of Jefferson in the center of the rotunda was added in 1947.

In 1934, at President Franklin Roosevelt's behest, Congress appropriated $3 million for a memorial to Jefferson. Pope's design was for a 129 foot high pantheon-like structure, sitting on a square platform, and flanked by two smaller, rectangular, colonnaded buildings. The Jefferson Memorial was dedicated by President Roosevelt on April 13, 1943, the 200th anniversary of Jefferson's birthday.

Over 2 million people a year visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It is located on the southeast side of Tidal Basin and is open 24 hours a day. Admission is free.

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