Jefferson Memorial Statue

Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial sits on the south-east shore of the Tidal Basin, located a few blocks south of the National Mall.

Jefferson Memorial and Cherry Blossoms

Annual Cherry Blossoms provide a great spring setting for the Jefferson Memorial.

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The Jefferson Memorial is a tribute to Thomas Jefferson, a founding father of the United States and the nation's third president. Due south of the White House, and nearly in line with the Washington Monument, the memorial makes up the end of one axis defining the National Mall (though the site of the memorial itself is technically in West Potomac Park not on the Mall). The Tidal Basin area is planted with many Cherry Trees which blossom in dazzling fashion each spring, creating a centerpiece for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Inside the monument, a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson gazes across the Tidal Basin at the White House. The building housing the statue was influenced in design by Roman Pantheon, and its domed interior is lined by many quotations from Jefferson. The serene atmosphere, beautiful location, and grandiose space creates a larger-than-life remembrance for the former Patriot and president.

Memorial Location

The Jefferson Memorial is located on the southeast corner of the Tidal Basin, and is accessible with a walk of about 1 mile from L'Enfant Station and Smithsonian Station. The best routes to the memorial are a bit complicated, so we have listed them below.

Directions from Smithsonian Station

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• Travel West on Independence Ave to 15 St. SW.
• Turn Left and travel south to Maine Ave. SW.
• Cross the road and follow the edge of the Tidal Basin south along Ohio Dr. SW.
• The memorial will be on the right.

Directions from L'Enfant Station:

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• Travel West on D st. SW, and continue southwest on Maryland Ave. SW
• Travel South at the circle between the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Continue around the hotel to a bridge which crosses Maine Ave. SW
• After crossing, get off the bridge and travel west on Maine Ave.
• Walk under 14th st, then turn left along Ohio Dr SW.
• The monument is a short distance further on the right.