George Mason Memorial: Honoring a Founding Father
George Mason was a little-known founding father, better known for his university's basketball team's recent Cinderella story a few years back. However, he still contributed his fair share to the founding of the United States, though in the end he would not sign the U.S. Constitution. Today, a memorial of him in West Potomac Park, near his old friend Thomas Jefferson, pays tribute to his work and memory.
Created in 2002, George Mason's memorial features the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights sitting back in his seat, legs crossed, as if enjoying his afternoon overlooking the circular pool. He is constructed of bronze and is one-third larger than life. He holds a book in his hand, and two other books rest on one side of him on the bench, and his walking stick and tri-corner hat rest on the other side. He looks out at the pond, finger marking the page in his book, as if reflecting on his reading.
He was sculpted by Wendy M. Ross, and the landscape architecture was designed by Faye B. Harwell. Alongside his park bench is a long wall on either side.
George Mason served as a delegate to the Constitutional Congress in 1787 in Philadelphia. His Virginia Declaration of Rights inspired Thomas Jefferson in his writing of the U.S. Bill of Rights. Because he did not agree with the contents of the U.S. Constitution, including the abolition of slavery, Mason is sometimes referred to as the “forgotten Founder” and the “reluctant statesman.”
The memorial itself is also not terribly known, but usually stumbled upon during the Cherry Blossom Festival when the crowds jam up the area around Potomac Park and the Jefferson Memorial. On other days, one can sit quietly alongside Mason with a book in hand as well, quietly whiling away an afternoon in Washington where he once played an essential and important role in our nation's beginnings.
HelloWashingtonDC Insider's Tip: The closest Metrorail station is the Smithsonian at 12th and Independence Ave., N.W., although it's a bit of a walk. Limited free day-long parallel parking spaces are available along Ohio Drive, S.W., adjacent to Potomac River and south of the Lincoln Memorial or in Lots A, B, and C south of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. The official Tourmobile system also gets you there.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
