The Jefferson Memorial West Elevation Cross Section - Black - Framed & Mounted Print

One of Washington's largest and most famous memorials, this structure serves as the southern anchor of the city's monumental plan, the other elements of which include the Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and White House. The Jefferson Memorial was built to commemorate Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), architect, principal author of the Declaration of the United States, esteemed as an advocate for national independence and personal spiritual freedom. Jefferson's philosophy is perhaps best expressed in the declaration of Independence where he wrote that "All men are created equal that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." The memorial built in his honor, with the classical serenity of its architecture reflected in the tidal basin and framed by ornamental Japanese Cherry Trees remains one of the most familiar and popular images of the nation's capital.