FDR requested that his memorial be no larger than his desk. In contrast to that wish, his memorial actually spans 7 1/2 acres in West Potomac Park. Dedicated in 1997, the memorial reflects the events and people of our 32nd President's era. Four outdoor rooms depict the unprecedented 12 years that FDR served as President, with each room focusing on one of his terms. The memorial contains 12 sculptures, plants, pools, waterfalls, fountains, quiet alcoves and 21 of Roosevelt's famous quotations carved in granite walls.
The granite used was chosen to approximate that used in Roosevelt's Hyde Park estate. It took 2 1/2 years and 210 trips between the quarry in SD and Washington DC to transport 6 tons of it.
Though a prominent feature of the memorial is the easy access for handicapped people, FDR's request to not be depicted in a wheelchair was honored...until in 2001, a statue of the President in his wheelchair was erected at the entrance of the memorial.
FDR requested that his memorial be no larger than his desk. In contrast to that wish, his memorial actually spans 7 1/2 acres in West Potomac Park. Dedicated in 1997, the memorial reflects the events and people of our 32nd President's era. Four outdoor rooms depict the unprecedented 12 years that FDR served as President, with each room focusing on one of his terms. The memorial contains 12 sculptures, plants, pools, waterfalls, fountains, quiet alcoves and 21 of Roosevelt's famous quotations carved in granite walls.