Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial was built to honor the 3rd President of the United States and Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson. He was a DemocraticRepublican who thought the national government should have a limited role in citizens’ lives. During his two terms in office (1801-1809), the U.S. purchased the Louisiana Territory and Lewis and Clark explored the vast new acquisition.

Although Jefferson promoted individual liberty, he was also a slave owner. After leaving office, he retired to his Virginia plantation, Monticello, and helped found the University of Virginia.

Construction commenced in 1938 amid significant opposition–many Washingtonians opposed the site because it did not align with L'Enfant's original plan for the city; and many well-established elm and cherry trees, including rare stock donated by Japan in 1912, were targeted for removal under the memorial's original plan. Some opposition included protestors chaining themselves to cherry trees.

The protests ultimately helped limit the projected footprint of the new memorial, so that it would peacefully co-exist with the spring-blooming cherry orchard flanking and abutting it.

Located at the south end of the tidal basin. Open 24 hours a day. Metro Stations: Foggy Bottom, Smithsonian. NOW recommends visiting the two memorials on the opposite page during the same trip to the Jefferson Memorial, walking around the Tidal Basin.