John Ericsson National Memorial

Address:Ohio Drive and Independence Ave., SW
Washington, District of Columbia
Tel: (202) 426-6841

Pay tribute to the man who revolutionized naval history at the John Ericsson National Memorial in Washington, D.C., a memorial dedicated to John Ericsson, the Swedish inventor who developed the screw propeller and designed the USS Monitor, ensuring Union naval superiority during the Civil War. The memorial offers self-guided tours to learn about this brilliant inventor.

Born in Sweden in July 1803, John Ericsson experienced disappointment early on in his career when his steam engine and propeller designs were rejected by the Swedish admiralty. In 1839, after meeting an American naval captain, Ericsson moved to America. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he was commissioned to design and build an ironclad warship for the Union, the USS Monitor, which he completed in March 1862. In May 1926, Congress dedicated the John Ericsson National Memorial, commemorating Ericsson's contributions to the Union.

Today, the John Ericsson National Memorial offers visitors self-guided tours to learn more about this skilled inventor. The memorial itself is a 20-foot tall pink Milford granite monument with a 150-foot diameter base, featuring a seated representation of Ericsson, as well as three standing figures representing "adventure," "labor," and "vision." After a visit to the memorial, visitors can find a wide variety of restaurants in the Washington, DC, area, ranging from grills to taverns.

To get to the John Ericsson National Memorial, take the Blue Line Metro train to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station, then walk south on 23rd Street Northwest.

Visit the John Ericsson National Memorial and commemorate a crucial contribution to the Union victory.