The Jefferson Memorial is reflected on the water of the Tidal Basin before sunrise.


Photograph by David Coleman. The Jefferson Memorial, an iconic monument in Washington DC, stands as a tribute to Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Designed by architect John Russell Pope in a neoclassical style inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, the memorial was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. The circular, colonnaded structure is composed of white Imperial Danby marble from Vermont, creating a striking contrast against the blue waters of the Tidal Basin. The memorial's interior features a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson by sculptor Rudulph Evans, gazing towards the White House. Surrounding the statue are panels inscribed with excerpts from Jefferson's writings, including the Declaration of Independence and his letters, reflecting his philosophical and political ideals. The Jefferson Memorial is particularly renowned for its setting among the famous Japanese cherry trees, gifted to Washington DC in 1912. During the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, the memorial becomes a focal point for visitors enjoying the spectacular spring blooms. Throughout the year, the monument serves as both a tourist attraction and a place for reflection on American history and values. Its steps and portico have been the site of numerous public gatherings and demonstrations, including civil rights protests, underscoring its role as a symbol of American democracy and freedom. The memorial's design and location, carefully integrated into the Monumental Core of Washington DC, make it a key element of the city's symbolic landscape, embodying the nation's reverence for its founding principles and one of its most influential early leaders.


Size: 6867px × 4583px
Location: Tidal Basin, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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