TributeLegacy
Create a tribute page
Back to map All in Washington, DC

Memorial · Washington, DC

Daguerre Memorial

Photograph at the Daguerre Memorial Memorial
Photograph: Carol M. Highsmith, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The Daguerre Memorial stands as a tribute to Louis Daguerre, a pivotal figure in the development of photography. This bronze and granite sculpture commemorates Daguerre's profound contributions to the art and science of capturing images, acknowledging his role in pioneering a process that revolutionised how moments and history could be recorded and shared. Erected in Washington, D.C., the memorial symbolically honours the inventor whose work laid the foundation for modern photography, making it a significant landmark for those interested in the history of visual media and innovation.

The memorial was established in 1890, a period marked by considerable advancements in technology and a growing public fascination with new inventions. Photography, having evolved significantly since Daguerre's initial breakthroughs, had by then become a widespread and influential medium. The creation of such memorials reflects a late 19th-century tradition of publicly acknowledging and commemorating individuals whose ingenuity profoundly impacted society. This particular monument in Washington D.C. places Daguerre within a broader historical context of inventors and innovators celebrated for their enduring legacy in shaping the modern world.

The Daguerre Memorial is situated in Washington, D.C., as a distinctive sculpture within the city's public spaces. Visitors can find this bronze and granite artwork, which stands as a permanent fixture honouring Louis Daguerre. It offers an opportunity for reflection on the legacy of photography and its origins. As a publicly accessible memorial, it can be viewed during a visit to the nation's capital, respectful observation being appropriate for this historical tribute.

Standing in Washington, D.C., the Daguerre Memorial honours the memory of Louis Daguerre. This striking sculpture combines bronze and granite, crafted by the artist Jonathan Scott Hartley. It serves as a lasting tribute to Daguerre's contributions.

The memorial's presence in the capital city marks a significant recognition of his legacy. The thoughtful design by Hartley ensures that visitors encountering the sculpture can reflect on the individual it commemorates and the enduring nature of remembrance.

Original summary by TributeLegacy, informed by public sources.

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Geographic data via OpenStreetMap.

Nearby locations in Washington, DC

Browse all memorials in Washington, DC

Data sources

Location records are drawn from open, licence-clean datasets, kept here with attribution and gratitude to the people who maintain them.

  • Open Plaques, dedicated to the public domain (CC0). See openplaques.org.
  • Wikidata, available under the CC0 1.0 Universal dedication.
  • © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence.
  • Historic England, National Heritage List for England, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. War memorial records are drawn from open community datasets (OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, NHLE) - never from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which is excluded.

Editorial descriptions, photography and tribute links are original TributeLegacy work, layered on top of the open data.

Directions to here