Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Landmarks
John Ericsson Memorial
A bronze and granite tribute to Swedish-born inventor John Ericsson, honoring his revolutionary creation of the screw propeller and the ironclad USS Monitor.
What is the John Ericsson Memorial known for?
The memorial commemorates John Ericsson, a Swedish-born engineer and inventor who developed the screw propeller and the first ironclad warships, including the USS Monitor.
Where is the memorial located?
It is located in Washington, D.C., at the intersection of 23rd St. SW, Ohio Drive SW, and Independence Ave. SW, near the National Mall.
What are the hours and is it free?
Admission is free and the memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What does the memorial look like?
The monument consists of a bronze sculpture on a granite pedestal, featuring a seated figure of Captain Ericsson with an allegorical statue grouping behind him.
Who designed the memorial?
The memorial was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser and architect Henry Bacon.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
The John Ericsson Memorial stands as a tribute to the Swedish-born engineer John Ericsson, who lived from 1803 to 1889. He is celebrated here for his profound impact on naval history, specifically for developing the first ironclad warships and the screw propeller used for propulsion. His most famous contribution, the USS Monitor, fundamentally changed maritime warfare. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser and architect Henry Bacon, the monument consists of a bronze sculpture set upon a granite pedestal. The artistic composition features a seated figure of Captain Ericsson, positioned in front of an allegorical grouping of statues. These elevated figures represent the concepts of Vision, Labor, and Adventure, symbolizing the drive behind Ericsson's lifelong innovations. The memorial was unveiled in 1926 in Potomac Park, located directly south of the Lincoln Memorial. To mark this occasion, a commemorative stamp was issued on May 29, 1926, which mirrored the monument's design. The site is managed by National Mall and Memorial Parks and remains a point of inspiration for modern engineers. Visitors can find the memorial at the intersection of 23rd St. SW, Ohio Drive SW, and Independence Ave. SW. It is an open-air site accessible by sidewalk from the street, allowing the public to view the intricate bronze work at any time of day.
Visitor tips
- The memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it a great spot for early morning or late evening visits.
- Admission is free, so there is no need to book tickets or pay for entry.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site is accessible via the surrounding sidewalks and park paths.
Nearby context
Located in Potomac Park near the National Mall, the memorial is situated south of the Lincoln Memorial and close to the Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Sources
Evidence and links
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John Ericsson Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)
The John Ericsson Memorial commemorates a brilliant engineer-inventor whose innovations helped shape naval history and whose life story has…
nps.gov -
John Ericsson Memorial - National Park Service
GPS coordinates: 38.886669, -77.050186.
nps.gov -
Ericsson Memorial Issue | National Postal Museum
The issue would coincide with the unveiling of the Ericsson Memorial in Potomac Park, directly south of the Lincoln Memorial.
postalmuseum.si.edu -
John Ericsson Memorial - Wikimedia Commons
The John Ericsson Memorial is located at Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue, SW, in Washington, D.C.
commons.wikimedia.org -
John Ericsson Memorial - Wikipedia
The John Ericsson Memorial is located near the National Mall at Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue, SW, in Washington, DC
en.wikipedia.org