Jefferson Memorial facts for kids
The Jefferson Memorial is a famous building in Washington, D.C.. It was built to honor Thomas Jefferson, who was the 3rd President of the United States. This beautiful memorial sits by the Tidal Basin, which is a part of the Potomac River. Its design looks like old Greek and Roman buildings, a style called neoclassical architecture.
The architect who designed the memorial was John Russell Pope. Construction started in December 1938. The building was finished in 1939. A special ceremony was held to dedicate it, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended. The Jefferson Memorial is considered a National Memorial. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.
Contents
Who Was Thomas Jefferson?
Thomas Jefferson was a very important person in American history. He was the third President of the United States. He served as president from 1801 to 1809.
Jefferson was also the main writer of the Declaration of Independence. This document announced that the American colonies were free from British rule. He was a strong believer in freedom and education.
Building the Memorial
The idea for a memorial to Thomas Jefferson came about in the 1930s. People wanted to honor his contributions to the United States. Congress approved the project in 1934.
The building process began in December 1938. It was a big job to build such a grand structure. The memorial was completed in 1939. However, the large bronze statue of Jefferson inside was added later, in 1947.
Design and Features
The Jefferson Memorial is known for its neoclassical architecture. This style uses elements from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It features tall columns, a large dome, and a wide set of steps.
The architect, John Russell Pope, wanted the memorial to reflect Jefferson's love for classical design. Jefferson himself was interested in architecture. The memorial's design is similar to the Pantheon in Rome.
The Statue of Jefferson
Inside the memorial, there is a large bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson. The statue is 19 feet (about 5.8 meters) tall. It was created by the sculptor Rudulph Evans.
The statue shows Jefferson standing tall and looking out. It reminds visitors of his important role in shaping the United States.
Inscriptions and Quotes
The walls inside the memorial have several quotes from Thomas Jefferson's writings. These quotes highlight his beliefs and ideas. They cover topics like freedom, government, and education.
One famous quote inscribed is from the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Location and Surroundings
The Jefferson Memorial is located in Washington, D.C.. It sits on the edge of the Tidal Basin. This is a man-made inlet connected to the Potomac River.
The Tidal Basin is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees. These trees bloom every spring, making the area a popular spot for visitors. The memorial offers great views of the Washington Monument and other landmarks.
Images for kids
-
Jefferson Memorial interior
-
Under construction in 1941, as seen from across the Tidal Basin
-
The monument's marble steps, portico, and circular colonnade of Ionic order columns, and shallow dome.
-
The Memorial's pediment features an Adolph Alexander Weinman sculpture of the Committee of Five
-
Interior columns and walls
-
Detail of the statue
-
Rudulph Evans's statue of Thomas Jefferson with excerpts from the Declaration of Independence to the right
-
Washington Monument and surrounding Tidal Basin.
-
Main entry
-
Portico ceiling
-
Bronze statue and dome ceiling
-
Dome ceiling and frieze
-
Exterior columns
-
"We Hold These Truths"
-
"God Who Gave Us Life"
-
"I Am Not an Advocate for Frequent Changes ..."
-
"Almighty God Hath Created the Mind Free ..."
-
Thousands of people visit the Memorial each year.
-
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
-
Jefferson Memorial sunset
-
Washington Monument in background
-
Tidal Basin view, March 2016
-
Jefferson Memorial, Looking NE
-
Jefferson Memorial at Night
-
Jefferson Memorial, Looking North
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a Thomas Jefferson para niños
