Thomas Jefferson was a political philosopher, architect, musician, book collector, scientist, horticulturist, diplomat, inventor and the third American president from 1801 to 1809. he also played a significant part in drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The idea for the memorial came from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who felt that Jefferson was as important as Lincoln. Designed by John Russell Pope, this neo-classical memorial was dedicated in 1943 and covers an area of 2.5 acres. At the time, metal was being strictly rationed so the standing statue of Jefferson had to be cast in plaster. After World War II, the statue was recast in bronze and the plaster version was moved.

Etched on the walls of the memorial are Jefferson’s words from the Declaration of Independence as well as other writings. The impressive bronze statue of Jefferson is 6 metres high and weighs approximately 4,500 kilograms.