Thomas Jefferson

Written and Photographed by David L. Williams II

At the heart of Palm Beach Gardens’ Mirasol Town Square, located at 11408 North Jog Road, a bronze sculpture invites visitors to slow down and engage with history. Crafted by nationally renowned artist George W. Lundeen, the life-size piece portrays Thomas Jefferson sitting casually on a bench, holding a feather pen as he drafts the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence. A few well-worn books balance on his lap, transforming the Founding Father into an approachable figure deep in thought.

The work anchors “Liberty Square,” a shaded courtyard designed for reflection and community. Four smooth sandstone benches rest in the shade of a grand oak, inviting visitors to sit, read or simply reflect on America’s independence and Jefferson’s role in shaping it. Nearby, a 40-foot flagpole that flies the nation’s flag, formerly named “Old Glory,” ties the sculpture to the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy.

Lundeen is celebrated for capturing personality in bronze; his portraits of Benjamin Franklin, Amelia Earhart and other figures appear in plazas and campuses across the country. With Jefferson, he balances dignity and intimacy, inviting residents to step close and share a quiet moment with the man who helped shape a young republic.

Soft down-lighting illuminates the piece each evening, casting gentle shadows across Jefferson’s thoughtful face. Whether admired in daylight or by nightfall glow, the sculpture transforms Mirasol Town Square into more than a gathering space, it’s a conversation between past and present, carved in bronze for all to enjoy.