If you’ve ever visited Washington DC and walked along the National Mall, you quickly realize that the Jefferson Memorial seems a bit out of the way. To get here you have to walk all the way around the Tidal Basin, on what feels like quite the trek and somewhat separated from the other equally prominent monuments.

Things are quieter and decidedly less crowded on the other side of the basin. I think for anyone who is a fan of Jefferson, you quickly feel like this was a good choice in location for a monument dedicated to the classically liberal, strong proponent of small government.

A monument no less grandeur, but separate, out of the way and non-intrusive.

The Washington Monument from the Jefferon Memorial

I made my way over to the monument early, but even on my way there as I passed between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, the crowds were already thick and growing by the minute. Still, Jefferson’s Memorial sat calm and serene.

A calm and serene moment…

The Jefferson Memorial is over half a mile off to the side.

All photos shot with my handy Canon Rebel XSi & Canon EF-S 10-22mm