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John Ericsson National Memorial

West Potomac Park, Washington DC

184-133428159 John Ericsson National Memorial with Vision Inscription.

Monuments & Landmarks
National Mall, West Potomac Park

It’s definitely not one of the better-known memorials. And it’s nowhere near the grandest. Unless you were looking for it, you probably wouldn’t even notice it. It’s tucked away on a small traffic island down on the bank of the Potomac, not far from the Lincoln Memorial. But being close to both is quite deliberate.

John Ericsson is hardly a household name, but if you’ve ever studied the American Civil War, chances are you’ve come across his handiwork. It was Ericsson, a naval and military engineer, who designed the USS Monitor, the iron-clad floating tank that finally neutralized the South’s naval advantage in the Virginia, a ship that had been wreaking havoc on Northern vessels. The USS Monitor was ugly, but it was effective. It was a prototype for naval innovations that became integrated in President Abraham Lincoln’s naval forces.

Ericsson’s more enduring legacy wasn’t so much the design of a brute of a ship, though, but rather in designing a workable system for a stern-mounted propeller, a technological breakthrough that had profound influence on just about any powered boat that has come since.

The memorial, strategically placed next to both the Potomac and the Lincoln Memorial, is constructed from the same pink granite from Milford, Massachusetts, that was used in the Lincoln Memorial. The memorial was dedicated on May 29, 1926, with President Calvin Coolidge and Swedish Crown Prince Gustav in attendance. It was designed by architect Albert Randolph Ross and sculpted by James Earle Fraser.

In a nod to Ericsson’s birthplace–Sweden–there are nordic elements on the memorial. A Viking representing Adventure stands with his back to a Nordic Tree of Life. He’s joined by two other figures, a female figure representing Vision and an American ironworker as Labor. Ericsson himself sits, gazing thoughtfully.

Photos of the John Ericsson Memorial

184-133441161 John Ericsson National Memorial Wide from Left.

184-133415157 John Ericsson National Memorial Vision Female Figure.

184-133218142 John Ericsson National Memorial Seated Figure.

184-133230145 John Ericsson National Memorial with Vision Figure.

184-133248147 John Ericsson National Memorial From Right Side.

184-133609167 John Ericsson National Memorial with Sign.

184-133342153 John Ericsson National Memorial Close Shot.

184-133309148 John Ericsson National Memorial Wide Shot.

How to Get to the John Ericsson Memorial

The memorial is on the corner of West Potomac Park, near the corner of Independence Avenue, 23rd Street, and Ohio Drive, SW. It’s close to the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Memorial.

There’s often free parking along Hains Point and West Potomac Park, but that’s first-come-first-served, and you might end up with a long walk back to your car during the busy tourist season. And be warned that the roads around the Lincoln Memorial can be confusing; it’s very easy to end up across the river in Arlington before you know it. If you’re coming from the Arlington side, another good option is to park at Arlington National Cemetery (check hours and parking fees) and walk across Memorial Bridge.

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Traffic
Bicycling
Transit

Official Website

National Park Service: John Ericsson National Memorial

Taking Photos at the John Ericsson Memorial

There are no access restrictions day or night. It is not illuminated at night. You can use a tripod and a flash to your heart’s content.

There are two hazards to watch out for, though. Firstly, the memorial is on a small teardrop-shaped traffic island, so don’t get run over. Secondly, for whatever reason, yellowjackets seem to often make a habit of nesting on the memorial itself and in the bushes next to it, so be careful not to get stung.

Nearby & Related:

  • World War Two Memorial fountains at night
    National World War II Memorial
  • Vietnam Memorial, Washington DC, at Sunrise
    Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • MLK Memorial
    Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial
  • Statue at the John Paul Jones Memorial in Washington DC
    Commodore John Paul Jones Memorial
  • Pentagon Memorial with flowers
    Pentagon Memorial
  • Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns Guard
    Arlington National Cemetery

Washington DC Visitor Guides

If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.

Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
  • Lonely Planet (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
  • Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
  • Pratt, Meredith (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's rich history.

National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
  • Kennedy, Barbara Noe (Author)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit.

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      # Monuments & Landmarks
      # National Mall
      # West Potomac Park



About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find more of my work at havecamerawilltravel.com.

And if you’re visiting DC in the spring, be sure to check out my DC Cherry Blossom Watch site.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

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