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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Public art

Titanic Memorial

A poignant granite monument in Southwest Waterfront Park honoring the men who sacrificed their lives for women and children during the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic.

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Titanic Memorial
www.nps.gov, og_image_www.nps.gov

What is the Titanic Memorial known for?

The Titanic Memorial is a granite statue that honors the men who gave their lives so that women and children could be saved during the sinking of the Titanic.

Where is the Titanic Memorial located?

It is located in the Southwest Waterfront Park (also referred to as Washington Channel Park) near the intersection of 4th and P Streets SW in Washington, D.C.

Who designed the memorial?

The memorial was designed by sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and architect Henry Bacon.

What is the history of the memorial's location?

Erected in 1931 along the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, the memorial was dismantled in January 1966 to make way for the Kennedy Center. After being stored briefly at Fort Washington, Maryland, it was re-erected at its current site in 1968.

Is the Titanic Memorial a historic site?

Yes, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites in 2007.

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 Titanic Memorial is a granite statue located in Southwest Waterfront Park near the intersection of 4th and P Streets SW. It serves as a solemn tribute to the men who gave their lives so that women and children might be saved during the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. The drive to create this monument began quickly; on April 25, 1912, a group of women formed a committee to raise funds, capping individual donations at $1 per person. Designed by sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and architect Henry Bacon, the memorial's design was approved in 1919. One account notes that the statue was carved in Quincy, Massachusetts, by sculptor John Horrigan from a 20-ton slab of granite. Although Congress authorized the site on March 3, 1917, the monument was not unveiled until May 26, 1931, when it was presented by Mrs. Taft. The monument has a nomadic history within the city. Originally erected in 1931 along the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, it was dismantled in January 1966 to make room for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. After a brief period of storage at Fort Washington, Maryland, the statue was re-erected at its current location in 1968. Today, the site is recognized for its historical significance, having been added to the National Register of Historic Places and the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites in 2007. Since 2017, an all-volunteer nonprofit called the Friends of Titanic Memorial Park has worked alongside the National Park Service to restore and maintain the park's beauty for the community.

Visitor tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the Southwest Waterfront Park.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the memorial is located in a public park area near the Washington Channel.
  • Look for the plaque detailing the memorial's history and the contributions of the women's committee.

Nearby context

The memorial is situated in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, positioned near Fort McNair and the Washington Channel. It provides a peaceful contrast to the nearby urban development of the waterfront and the cultural hub of the Kennedy Center, from which the monument was once displaced.

Sources

Evidence and links