Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Open Daily: 24 Hours a Day

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt

It was a time of great despair. The nation was engulfed by poverty, homelessness, and starvation. There were no jobs and there was no hope. It was the Great Depression of the 1930's. The American people saw in one man a glimmer of hope and in November 1932, elected Franklin Delano Roosevelt as the 32nd President of the USA. FDR promised Americans "A New Deal"--CCC, WPA, TVA, NRA, Social Security were all apart of FDR's plan that would turn the tide for the nation. And then the single most defining event of the century, World War II, erupted. FDR's strength, determination, and character led Americans through this most difficult period. And the American people responded to FDR with a resounding vote of confidence and elected him to serve an unprecedented four terms in office.

And now a half a century after his death, Americans have chosen to honor this great man with a memorial that will forever remind the world of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's impact on all of our lives. Engraved on the walls of the four outdoor rooms representing his four terms of office are some of his most famous inspirational words to the American people. Placed strategically around the memorial are sculptures of FDR As Commander in Chief, FDR at his fireside chats from the White House, and of FDR and his beloved dog Fala. And for the first time in US history, Americans honor a First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, with a statue. Eleanor Roosevelt's energy and enthusiasm forever changed the role of the First Lady. Her compassion and courage set and example for all to follow.