George Mason Memorial: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, National Mall & Memorial Parks

Gjesfjeld, Cortney

The George Mason Memorial is a designed landscape located in West Potomac Park (Reservation 332) within the National Mall and Memorial Parks (NAMA) in Washington, DC. Situated in the southern part of West Potomac Park, nearby park development includes the Tidal Basin, Inlet Bridge, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. The Potomac River, located a short distance from the memorial, remains an important natural feature that defines the limits of park development on its western extent. While the majority of commemorative development associated with West Potomac Park is located to the north and west of the Tidal Basin, the George Mason Memorial and Thomas Jefferson Memorial serve to anchor the southern extent of the park. The majority of the 3.68‐acre George Mason Memorial cultural landscape sits at approximately eight to ten feet of elevation and is characterized by a designed garden and commemorative memorial landscape. Constructed on reclaimed tidal flats, the boundaries of the George Mason Memorial are defined by the George Mason Memorial Bridge on the south, by Ohio Drive SW on the west and by East Basin Drive SW on the north. Historic Fountain No. 4 (also identified as Number 4 Fountain) is located at the center of the cultural landscape and is surrounded by circular planting beds, while a memorial to George Mason occupies the eastern extent of the garden. Landscape improvements were first undertaken to the reclaimed tidal flats in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and included the construction of Fountain No. 4 in 1905. Subsequent improvements were made in the late 1920s when the site was rehabilitated by the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital into the pansy garden. Later, under the auspices of Lady Bird Johnson’s Beautification program, planting plans were prepared for the garden in an effort to enhance and reinvigorate the locale. In 2002, the George Mason Memorial was incorporated into the garden design. Modifications to the site included the addition of a columned garden trellis, stone benches, stone inscription walls, and a sculpture of George Mason as well as many other landscape improvements that were designed to be compatible with the historic character of the site. Most recently, in 2019, the George Mason Memorial was rehabilitated through a partnership between the NPS and the Trust for the National Mall. The George Mason Memorial is a contributing site located within the boundaries of the 692.45‐ acre National Mall Historic District. The National Mall was administratively listed to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 with preparation of a nomination to follow in 1981. The most recent National Register nomination for the National Mall Historic District was modified to include a boundary increase/additional documentation, which was signed by the Keeper on November 29, 2016. Fountain No. 4 was identified as a contributing object in the East and West Potomac Parks Historic District National Register nomination in 2001. The George Mason Memorial site is also located within Area I of the monumental core of the city of Washington, DC. In 1986, the Commemorative Works Act designated two areas of federal lands in Washington, DC, considered appropriate for memorials. Construction of the George Mason Memorial within Area I was authorized in 1992 through passage of H.J. Res. 402 (assigned Public Law No. 102‐277), which was signed by President George H. W. Bush. Upon enactment of the joint resolution, authority was granted to construct a memorial to George Mason in Area I without further legislation.

George Mason Memorial: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, National Mall & Memorial Parks

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