15 Interesting Facts About Jefferson Memorial

Introduction:

The Jefferson Memorial is a majestic and awe-inspiring structure situated in Washington D.C. It stands as a standing ovation for Thomas Jefferson, one of the most important figures in the history of the United States of America. It is located on the Tidal Basin and is surrounded by many other statues and monuments dedicated to some of America’s greatest patriots. The Jeffersonian design of the Memorial left an indelible mark on the landscape of the nation’s capital. To this day, the Jefferson Memorial remains a popular destination for tourists and a symbol of freedom and democracy. Here are 15 interesting facts about the Jefferson Memorial that you may not have known.

Fact 1:

The Jefferson Memorial was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, and was built in honor of the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. It was designed by the architectural firm John Russell Pope and Associates and was built in the Neoclassical style.

Fact 2:

The Jefferson Memorial features a 19-foot bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, as well as four large stone panels bearing quotations from his writings. The central panel quotes from the Declaration of Independence, which reads, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

Fact 3:

The Jefferson Memorial stands over 96 feet tall and it is situated on the banks of the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C., surrounded by flowering cherry trees. It is one of the most iconic sights in the nation’s capital and is often photographed during the peak bloom period when the cherry trees are in full bloom.

Fact 4:

The Jefferson Memorial was constructed in four stages. The first stage was the release of plans and drawings, followed by the demolition of the 55-year-old statue of George Washington, and then the 70-foot-tall statue of Thomas Jefferson. The final stage was the addition of the internal walls and the exhibits in the rotunda.

Fact 5:

The Jefferson Memorial is made of Appalachian white marble, Georgia marble, and Indiana limestone. It is adorned with a number of ornamental sculptures and architectural details, including its iconic Ionic portico with four Corinthian columns.

Fact 6:

The Jefferson Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free to visit. However, the exhibits inside the rotunda are only open during the daytime. It is also a popular venue for special events, and has been the site of speeches, ceremonies, and concerts.

Fact 7:

The Jefferson Memorial is part of the National Park System, and is regulated by the National Park Service. As such, it is protected from any damage or vandalism, and is maintained and operated by park rangers to ensure that it is kept in good condition.

Fact 8:

The Jefferson Memorial attracts an estimated 4.5 million visitors each year. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington D.C., and the size and scope of the memorial make it perfect for educational field trips and private events.

Fact 9:

The landscape surrounding the Jefferson Memorial has been carefully cultivated to feature linear plantings, replicating the look of the original Palazzo Farnese gardens of Thomas Jefferson’s time. The trees, flowers, and shrubs add a touch of beauty to the site and provide a unique backdrop for shows and events.

Fact 10:

The Jefferson Memorial was the first memorial in the District of Columbia to honor a U.S. President and the first memorial to be funded and managed by the federal government. It also was the first memorial to be constructed in the Neoclassical style.

Fact 11:

The interior walls of the memorial feature inscriptions from some of Thomas Jefferson’s writings, as well as excerpts from his famous speeches. There is an inscription of his famous quote, “I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”

Fact 12:

The building houses a bronze bust of Thomas Jefferson, which was created by renowned American sculptor Rudulph Evans. It is located in the rotunda on the second floor, and is visible from the outside of the memorial.

Fact 13:

The Jefferson Memorial was featured in the movie ‘National Treasure’, which starred Nicolas Cage. The scene featured the memorial’s portico and the interior rotunda.

Fact 14:

The building was declared a National Monument in 1939 and was later added to the list of National Historic Landmarks in 1971. It is also part of the larger National Mall Historic District, which was added to the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

Fact 15:

The Jefferson Memorial is illuminated at night by floodlights, and the grounds are home to over 700 cherry trees, a gift from the people of Tokyo. Every year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is held to commemorate the blooming of the cherry trees.

Conclusion

The Jefferson Memorial is one of the most famous landmarks in Washington D.C. and a symbol of democracy and freedom in the United States. From its construction to its symbolism, it is an important part of America’s history. It is both a physical and symbolic reminder of the legacy of Thomas Jefferson and the role he played in shaping the nation. Knowing these 15 interesting facts about the Jefferson Memorial not only helps you to appreciate it more but also appreciate more of the United States’ history.