Location: The bronze statue is located at the Jefferson Parish General Government Building, situated at 200 Derbigny Street in Gretna, Louisiana. It greets visitors as they approach the building.
Significance: The statue serves as a prominent monument honoring Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and the namesake of Jefferson Parish. Its significance lies in:
- Honoring the Parish’s Namesake: It provides a visual representation of the individual for whom the parish was named, reinforcing the historical connection.
- Commemorating a Key Historical Figure: It acknowledges Jefferson’s pivotal role in American history, including his authorship of the Declaration of Independence and his presidency.
- Civic Symbolism: Located at the seat of the parish government, the statue acts as a symbol of the principles and history upon which the parish was founded.
- Date of Dedication: The dedication of the statue on December 6, 1975, by the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission marks a specific point in the parish’s history when this tribute was formally established.
Description: The statue is a full-figure depiction of Thomas Jefferson, rendered in bronze. He is shown standing and appears to be holding documents in his left hand and a quill pen in his right hand, suggesting his role as a writer and statesman. He is dressed in the style of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with a long coat, waistcoat, breeches, and ruffled cuffs and collar. His expression is thoughtful and forward-looking. The statue stands on a base, likely made of stone or a similar material, which elevates it and provides a platform for any inscriptions or dedications (though these are not clearly visible in the image). The overall impression is one of respect and commemoration of a significant historical figure.