Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Set on the south bank of the Tidal Basin amid the cherry trees (check it out in late March or early April when the blossoms are blazing pink), 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.’ We think the circular shape is a nice contrast to the angles jutting out from so many other monuments. Inside is a 19ft bronze likeness, and excerpts from Jefferson’s writings are etched into the walls.