www.nps.gov/thje

Although the concept of a memorial to the author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States was planned in the L'Enfant city design, the actual location for the memorial was never laid out, so the cornerstone for this commemorative site was not broken until 1939, after land was purchased on what is now the Tidal Basin. The memorial was dedicated in 1943, the bicentennial anniversary of Jefferson's birth.

The hollow bronze statue by Rudolph Evans, coated in wax to prevent ionization, depicts Jefferson (in a pose intended to represent the Age of Enlightenment) holding a document symbolic of his role as one of the authors of America's founding democratic principles. In this vein, the surrounding marble walls of the memorial are inscribed with the words of the Declaration of Independence, as well as of excerpts of various letters and bills Jefferson authored that articulate his belief in the American citizenry's ability to govern itself. The committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence is sculpted in bas relief above the entrance to the memorial.

The memorial also includes a gallery on Jefferson's life and works. He was also the founder of the University of Virginia, an amateur scientist, and an architect. The gallery is located on the lower level.

The memorial is located on the south side of the Tidal Basin on Ohio Drive, accessible from the Smithsonian Metro station (Blue or Orange Line) and expect a long walk. Doors are open from 8 A.M. to midnight, but the memorial not open on December 25. Park rangers give talks every half hour. There is limited parking around the site. An alternative is to take the Tourmobile, which shuttles around the mall and its attractions.