Set on the south bank of the Tidal Basin amid the cherry trees, this memorial honors the third US president, political philosopher, drafter of the Declaration of Independence and founder of the University of Virginia. Designed by John Russell Pope to resemble Jefferson’s library at the university, the rounded monument was initially derided by critics as ‘the Jefferson Muffin.’ Inside is a 19ft bronze likeness, and excerpts from Jefferson’s writings are etched into the walls.
Historians criticize some of the textual alterations (edited, allegedly, for space considerations). Regardless, there are wonderful views across the waterfront onto the Mall.
