Discovering Delano: Top 14 Fun Facts About the FDR Memorial You Never Knew

1. Top Dog of Commemorative Canines

In a barking tribute to man's best friend, the FDR Memorial stands as a monument to pawsidential loyalty: Fala, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottish Terrier, is the only presidential pet to be honored with a statue at the memorial, making him the undisputed Top Dog of commemorative canines.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Pimp My Wheelchair

Rumor has it FDR starred in the first episode of Pimp My Wheelchair: The FDR Memorial not only showcases the iconic president's legacy but also features a statue of him sitting in his wheelchair, a testament to his perseverance through disability. Sculptor Robert Graham designed the statue, dedicated in January 2001, after advocates for the disabled insisted on depicting FDR's true physical condition and resilience.
Source => nps.gov

Discover the unique symbolism behind the stunning architecture of the Lincoln Memorial, featuring majestic columns representing Union States crafted from Colorado Yule marble. You won't believe the incredible detail!

=> Fun Facts about The-Lincoln-Memorial

3. Presidential Bartlett's Quotations

In the world of memorials, the FDR monument holds the record for quote appropriation much like a presidential version of Bartlett's Familiar Quotations: the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial features a variety of famous quotes from FDR's speeches, including excerpts from his First Inaugural address, though not in its entirety, offering visitors a glimpse of the powerful words that helped shape American history.
Source => historymatters.gmu.edu

4. First Lady Power Couple

Step aside, Beyoncé: there's another queen making her mark in history! The FDR Memorial features the ultimate power couple, as it is the only presidential memorial to include a depiction of a First Lady. Eleanor Roosevelt stands tall, immortalized in front of the United Nations seal, commemorating her achievements as a delegate and shining light on her remarkable legacy beyond her husband's presidency.
Source => parkrangerjohn.com

5. Wheel-y Inspiring Addition

Wheel-y inspiring: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial's journey to becoming a symbol of disability empowerment started with a major oversight – it was unveiled in 1997 without a depiction of FDR in his wheelchair! Due to public outcry demanding proper representation, a life-size bronze statue of the president in his wheelchair was added in January 2001, serving as a beacon of inspiration for overcoming obstacles.
Source => washingtonpost.com

6. Eleanor Steals the Spotlight

When bae doesn't let you have the spotlight all to yourself: The FDR Memorial is the only presidential memorial to feature a First Lady, as a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt - who was also the first U.S. delegate to the United Nations and responsible for crafting the UN Declaration of Human Rights - stands tall in the fourth room.
Source => nps.gov

7. Granite Rock Star

You might say the FDR Memorial is quite the "rock star" of presidential monuments, with enough granite to give any geologist a "hard" time: This remarkable landmark features over 31,000 granite stones from Minnesota and South Dakota, including one colossal 4.5-ton beauty, all meticulously chosen to symbolize different aspects and phases of FDR's life.
Source => nps.gov

8. Tactile, All-Access Party

Who knew FDR was throwing a tactile, all-access party at his memorial? Roll on up in your wheelchairs, get touchy-feely with the statues, and don't forget to join the breadline boogie: The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is designed with accessibility for all, boasting wheelchair-friendly ramps, touchable sculptures like an interactive FDR statue, and convenient facilities such as accessible restrooms and parking spaces ensuring visitors with disabilities can fully explore and appreciate this presidential party pad.
Source => nps.gov

9. Dramatic TV Series Finale

If FDR's presidency were akin to a dramatic TV series, his memorial would undoubtedly be the captivating season finale at an outdoor amphitheater: The FDR Memorial features four distinct "rooms" representing each of his terms in office, complete with unique sculptures and design elements portraying events like the Great Depression and World War II, all while offering breathtaking views of the Jefferson Memorial and cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Source => loc.gov

10. Binge-Worthy Four Seasons

Just when you thought politics couldn't get any more dramatic, the FDR Memorial steps in as the ultimate binge-worthy series with four seasons (or gallery rooms) of history: The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, designed by Lawrence Halprin and opened on May 2, 1997, honors the 32nd President of the United States with four outdoor gallery rooms representing each of his terms in office, featuring bronze sculptures by artists Leonard Baskin and Robert Graham, as well as inscriptions of FDR's mots célèbres, and giving visitors a front-row seat to the cherry blossoms along the cherry tree walk on the Tidal Basin.
Source => clintonwhitehouse3.archives.gov

11. Boss on Wheels

Rolling to victory like a boss on wheels: The FDR Memorial houses an imposing sculpture of President Franklin D. Roosevelt seated in a wheelchair, artistically symbolizing his unyielding spirit despite his disability, a sculpture by Robert Graham which was added in January 2001 after advocates pushed for its inclusion to raise awareness and inspire others with disabilities.
Source => nps.gov

12. Rebellious First Lady

Who says being the First Lady is all tea parties and table settings? Eleanor Roosevelt smashed that stereotype like a rebellious teenager at a fine china store: The FDR Memorial in Washington, DC is the only presidential memorial that also honors a First Lady, featuring a bronze statue of the trailblazing Eleanor in its Fourth Room!
Source => travelobjective-dc.com

13. Life-Size Breadline Statues

Ever felt like you were stuck in line with the same cast of characters? Well, these statues have that down to an art: The FDR Memorial in Washington DC features the "Depression Bread Line" sculpture by artist George Segal, showcasing life-sized figures cast from real people, including Segal himself and a former WPA Federal Art Project artist who had firsthand breadline experience during the Great Depression.
Source => crystalbridges.org

14. Flintstones-approved Construction

If the Flintstones built a presidential memorial, they'd surely look no further than Bedrock, Minnesota: The FDR Memorial is made up of over 31,000 granite stones, primarily gray, sourced from Minnesota, and meticulously arranged to create separate outdoor rooms, each portraying a unique era in FDR's presidency.
Source => nps.gov