Landmarks Series – The Thomas Jefferson Memorial 

This article is one of an ongoing series that focuses on historical and/or significant landmarks. Information gleaned from www.nps.gov, www.wikipedia.com, and other sources.

On June 26, 1934, Congress passed a resolution creating the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Commission. Subsequently, the commission was given the authority to plan, design and construct a monument commemorating Jefferson’s accomplishments.

A man whose impact on this country was monumental, Thomas Jefferson was:

• A politician, architect, writer, educator, musician, scientist and inventor;

• The third president of the United States;

• Author of the Declaration of Independence; 

• Father of the University of Virginia; and

• A firm believer in equal rights, a government derived from the people, freedom of religion and the separation between church and state, and education available to all. 

Architect John Russell Pope submitted a fitting neoclassical design for the monument in 1936. On November 15, 1939 the cornerstone was laid – two years after Pope’s death – and P. Higgins and Otto R. Eggers took over the construction. Composed of circular marble steps, a shallow dome, and a circular colonnade of Ionic order columns the building has components of Jefferson’s own design for the Rotunda at the University of Virginia and displays his fascination with Roman architecture. The memorial was constructed with several types of marble including: Danby Imperial Marble for the exterior walls and columns, Tennessee pink marble for the interior floor, Georgian white marble for the interior wall panels, and Missouri gray marble for the pedestal. The ceiling was constructed of Indiana limestone. 

Located in West Potomac Park, on the shore of the Tidal Basin of the Potomac River and enhanced with the massed planting of Japanese cherry trees, the Jefferson Memorial was officially dedicated on April 13, 1943 – the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birthday. Four years later a bronze statue of Jefferson standing 19 feet tall and weighing 10,000 pounds was placed within the engraved interior walls. The interior walls are inscribed with passages 
from Jefferson’s writing, most prominent are the words in a frieze below the dome: “I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” Excerpted from a letter to 
Dr. Benjamin Rush on September 23, 1800. 

Other inscriptions include:

We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. We...solemnly publish and declare, that these colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states...And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.
Appears on the panel of the southwest interior wall. Excerpted from the Declaration of Independence, 1776

Almighty God hath created the mind free...All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens...are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion...No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship or ministry or shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief, but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion. I know but one code of morality for men whether acting singly or collectively.
Appears on the panel of the northwest interior wall. Excerpted from two sources: first, "A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom, 1777"; the last sentence beginning "I know but one..." is taken from a letter to James Madison, August 28, 1789.

Each year the Jefferson Memorial hosts many events and ceremonies including memorial exercises, the Easter Sunrise Service, and the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.