As the 250th anniversary of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” approaches, supporters push for a long-overdue memorial in Washington, D.C., reigniting debates over his controversial legacy and revolutionary influence.
On January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine published “Common Sense”, a pamphlet that would galvanize the American colonies into declaring independence from Britain. Now, 250 years later, the fight to honor him with a memorial in Washington, D.C., is gaining momentum. The proposed memorial, authorized by a 2022 law, awaits approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior. If approved, it would be the first landmark in the nation’s capital dedicated to one of the American Revolution’s most influential voices.
The Road to a Memorial: A Long and Winding Path
The journey to establish a memorial for Thomas Paine has been fraught with delays and challenges. The idea was first proposed in 1992 when President George H.W. Bush signed bipartisan legislation for such a memorial. However, the project stalled due to funding issues and was largely forgotten by the mid-2000s. The current legislation, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., has reignited hopes for a lasting tribute to Paine’s contributions.
The fate of the memorial now rests in the hands of President Donald Trump’s interior secretary, Doug Burgum. In September 2024, the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission recommended the memorial for placement on the National Mall. Burgum’s endorsement is crucial for the plan to move forward, which would then require final enactment by Congress. If approved, the memorial would have a 2030 deadline for completion.
A Contentious Legacy
Thomas Paine’s legacy is complex and often controversial. While he is celebrated for his revolutionary writings, his later work, “The Age of Reason”, which criticized organized religion, led to his estrangement from many of his contemporaries. By the time of his death in 1809, Paine was a polarizing figure, with only a handful of mourners attending his funeral.
Despite this, Paine’s influence has endured. His ideas have been championed by a diverse range of figures, from labor leaders and communists to Thomas Edison. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that presidents began to quote him regularly. Theodore Roosevelt famously referred to Paine as a “filthy little atheist,” reflecting the mixed feelings towards his legacy.
The Man Behind the Revolution
Thomas Paine’s life story is quintessentially American. Born in Thetford, England, in 1737, Paine was a self-educated immigrant who arrived in the colonies with little money but a wealth of ideas. His early life was marked by financial struggles and a series of failed professions, but his encounter with Benjamin Franklin in London provided him with a letter of introduction that helped him find work in Philadelphia as a contributor to The Pennsylvania Magazine.
The Revolutionary War began in April 1775, and pamphlets played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Benjamin Rush, impressed by Paine’s ideas, suggested he write his own pamphlet. Originally titled “Plain Truth,” Paine agreed to Rush’s suggestion of “Common Sense.” Published on January 10, 1776, the pamphlet was a sensation, widely shared and read aloud. Paine’s urgent and accessible prose helped shift public opinion towards full independence from Britain.
Enduring Influence
Paine’s influence extends far beyond the Revolutionary War. His ideas have been invoked by figures on both sides of the political spectrum. In his 2025 year-end report on the federal judiciary, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts cited the anniversary of “Common Sense” and praised Paine for “shunning legalese” as he articulated that “government’s purpose is to serve the people.”
Paine’s message continues to resonate today. During nationwide “No Kings” rallies against Trump’s policies, passages from “Common Sense” were frequently cited. One demonstrator’s sign in Boston read, “No King! No Tyranny! It’s Common Sense,” echoing Paine’s enduring call for liberty and self-governance.
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