John Ericsson National Memorial

John Ericsson National Memorial
Image credit: picture by Ken Lund licenced under Attribution-ShareAlike License.

The John Ericsson National Memorial is located in the District of Columbia, specifically in West Potomac Park, near the National Mall along the Potomac River. It commemorates the Swedish-American inventor and engineer, John Ericsson's contributions to the United States Navy.

The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1916 and unveiled in 1926. It stands as a prominent bronze statue on a granite pedestal, showcasing Ericsson holding a model of his most famous invention, the USS Monitor. The statue is surrounded by a semicircular granite exedra, providing a serene setting for visitors to reflect on Ericsson's achievements.

Visitors to the memorial can learn about Ericsson's role in designing the USS Monitor, the famous Civil War ironclad ship that revolutionized naval warfare. The onsite bronze plaques provide detailed information about Ericsson's life and career, making it a significant destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in naval engineering.

Furthermore, the John Ericsson National Memorial, being located in West Potomac Park, is surrounded by a variety of attractions nearby. It is within walking distance of the renowned National Mall, where visitors can explore the iconic Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and other memorials dedicated to notable figures in American history.

Additionally, the Tidal Basin is located nearby, offering beautiful views of the cherry blossom trees during the spring season, creating a picturesque scenery. This area is also home to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, a tribute to the 32nd President of the United States.

In summary, the John Ericsson National Memorial in the District of Columbia is a significant tribute to an influential inventor and engineer. Located near the National Mall, it allows visitors to appreciate Ericsson's contributions to the United States Navy and provides an opportunity to explore nearby historical attractions.

Location

The John Ericsson National Memorial is located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Situated at the eastern end of the National Mall, the memorial stands on a small triangular park near the Potomac River. This prestigious location offers visitors breathtaking views of the river and its iconic landmarks, such as the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Memorial Bridge. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Mall, the memorial's position grants visitors a serene ambiance, allowing them to reflect upon the accomplishments of John Ericsson, a renowned Swedish-American engineer and inventor. The geographical location of the John Ericsson National Memorial perfectly encapsulates the historical significance and natural beauty of the nation's capital.

Address & Contact

1100 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20242
Driving Directions
Phone: 202-426-6841
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit John Ericsson National Memorial would be during the months of May through September. During this timeframe, the average maximum temperatures range from 77°F to 90°F, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 59°F to 73°F. The average monthly precipitation during these months is around 3.7 inches to 5 inches. These months offer pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities, making them the ideal time to visit the memorial.

Things to do and learn in John Ericsson National Memorial

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in John Ericsson National Memorial are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Boating Fishing Cultural Demonstrations Live Music Golf Mini-Golf

Topics

Learn about these topics at John Ericsson National Memorial: Animals African American Heritage Women's History Climate Change Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements World War II Voting Rights and Suffrage Civil Rights Korean War Vietnam War

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

A bookstore, public restrooms, and an interactive museum are located within the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For additional information, please contact the Visitor Center at 301-662-3515.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near John Ericsson National Memorial

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near John Ericsson National Memorial

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ARC THE.HOTEL, Washington DC

A stay at ARC THE.HOTEL, Washington DC places you in the heart of Washington, within a 5-minute walk of Watergate Complex and George Washington University. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 824 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link

Residence Inn Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom

A stay at Residence Inn Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom places you in the heart of Washington, within a 5-minute walk of George Washington University and Watergate Complex. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 801 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link

State Plaza Hotel

With a stay at State Plaza Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Washington, steps from George Washington University and within a 10-minute walk of National Mall. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 1666 square feet (155 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2116 E Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom

With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom in Washington (Foggy Bottom), you'll be steps from George Washington University and 7 minutes by foot from World Bank. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 760 square feet (71 square meters), including conference space. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 515 20th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052
Web: Link

Global Luxury Suites at Foggy Bottom

A stay at this apartment places you in the heart of Washington, steps from George Washington University and George Washington University Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2221 I Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link

The Avenue by Executive Apartments

A stay at The Avenue by Executive Apartments places you in the heart of Washington, steps from George Washington University and George Washington University Hospital. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 2221 I Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link

Weichert Suites at Foggy Bottom

A stay at Weichert Suites at Foggy Bottom places you in the heart of Washington, steps from George Washington University and George Washington University Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator.
Address: 2221 I Street NW, Foggy Bottom Area, Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Web: Link

Hotel Hive

A stay at Hotel Hive places you in the heart of Washington, steps from George Washington University and 5 minutes by foot from Watergate Complex. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and luggage storage.
Address: 2224 F Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link

The Watergate Hotel

With a stay at The Watergate Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Washington, a 9-minute walk from Kennedy Center and 12 minutes by foot from Georgetown Waterfront Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 27000 square feet (2508 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link

Bluebird Suites on Washington Circle

With a stay at Bluebird Suites on Washington Circle in Washington (Foggy Bottom), you'll be steps from George Washington University Hospital and George Washington University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2221 I St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20037
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-01-27Abraham Lincoln's Birthday to be Observed at the Lincoln Memorial on Feb. 12
The National Park Service and the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee will observe the 217th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln during a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 10:45 a.m. More
2026-01-26National Park Service seeks public comment on plan for future of the Tidal Basin
The National Park Service is accepting public comment on a Development Concept Plan and Environmental Assessment that will guide the long-term management of the Tidal Basin, focusing on transportation, conservation, tree preservation, protection of natural and cultural resources, visitor experience, recreation, infrastructure, security, and more. More
2026-01-20Temporary Closures While World War II Memorial Updates Lighting, Fountains
The World War II Memorial is undergoing a modernization of its fountains and lighting to address aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and enhance the appearance of the memorial. Visitors may find temporary closures of parts of the memorial during their visit. For your safety and the safety of the contractors, please respect any area closures you encounter. We apologize for any inconvenience. More
2026-01-16National Park Service Announces Opportunity for Communications Infrastructure Plan on the National Mall and Surrounding Park Areas
The National Park Service invites qualified entities to submit a proposal to develop communications infrastructure within the National Mall and surrounding park areas in Washington, D.C. Proposals must be submitted by Thursday, Feb. 16, 2026.  More
2026-01-08National Park Service Announces Closure, Construction at the World War II Memorial
The National Park Service announced today the World War II Memorial will close on January 9 ahead of a construction project to modernize fountains and lighting at the memorial. The work will address aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and enhance the appearance of one of the nation’s most visited memorials. More
2026-01-05National Park Service Awards New Contract for Food and Retail Services on the National Mall
The National Park Service has awarded a new contract to operate food, beverage, and retail kiosks on the National Mall to Taste of History LLC. The agreement will take effect on May 1, 2026, and will run for ten years. More