“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
What is the Thomas Jefferson Memorial?
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is in Washington, D.C. It is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and a key Founding Father. It is a tribute to his legacy in American history, politics, philosophy, and architecture.
Key Features
- Architect: John Russell Pope.
- Style: Neoclassical, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.
- Construction began: 1939.
- Dedicated: April 13, 1943 (on Jefferson’s 200th birthday).
- Dome: 129 feet in diameter.
- Columns: 26 Ionic columns on the exterior, 12 inside.
- Interior statue: A 19-foot tall bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson (added in 1947).
- Inscriptions: Passages from Jefferson’s writings are engraved on the interior walls.
Symbolism
The design reflects Jefferson’s love for classical architecture and the Enlightenment ideals he championed. The open, domed structure represents freedom and democracy, while the inscriptions echo his advocacy for liberty, education, and human rights.
Inscriptions
Famous quotes from Jefferson’s writings are etched inside, including:
“I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”
Resources
https://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm
Washington D.C 