Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and Charlottesville

Got to know Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) today—author of the Declaration of Independence, president (1801-1809), founder of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and, a multi-talented genius. Monticello is his masterpiece — he designed and redesigned and built and rebuilt this residence for over forty years. He was quoted as saying, "Architecture is my delight, and putting up, and pulling down, one of my favorite amusements." 

 

 

 

In 1768, Jefferson began constructing his residence, Monticello, on a hilltop overlooking his large plantation. 

 

He had traveled extensively in Europe, especially in France, and, got to know and appreciate the architecture there. Also, he was a booklover and writer, a gardener and botanist, a meticulous bookkeeper and note-taker, a promoter of education, and,,,  a man who loved his wine (wine cellar on right photo) and beer (he brewed his own) and cider (used his own apples to make cider).

 

Monticello's gardens (right, above) were a botanic showpiece, a source of food, and an experimental laboratory for him. Though over a hundred enslaved people worked for him on the plantation,  he was at the same time an advocate against slavery. Since our last visit in the late 1990s, they offer a lot more information about the enslaved people, mostly families, working at Monticello and living in "Mulberry Row" (left, above). 

We had a tour in the very tasteful and light-flooded mansion (far above) and explored the grounds and gardens as well as the exhibitions (pic below) on our own afterwards. So impressive, and huge crowds are really handled very efficiently here, too.

 

Jefferson's gravesite, an obelisk, on the family cemetery. Also, members of the enslaved families are burried here.

 

We were invited to lunch in the nearby historic Michie Tavern - an old traveler's rest closeby Monticello. The rustic restaurant setting gives a taste of the 18th-century in the South, featuring a buffet of southern fried chicken and hickory-smoked pork barbecue, peas, biscuits, cobbler and so much more. The 1784 Pub, an 18th-century style pub, serves local wines, beers and hard ciders (photo on left). 

 

In Albemarle County - where Charlottesville is situated - there are 40+ wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail. We visited the Eastwood Winery, closeby Monticello, in the afternoon for a tour and tasting with the owner. It's in operation since 2020 and lead by three women: Athena Eastwood and her daughters Hannah and Megan. They got lots of awards already for their wines , and, recently added beer and cider to their portfolio. Wines are for sure delicious! Virginia is one of the younger wine regions, up & coming, and the region around Charlottesville is especially booming.

Jefferson's Rotunda at UVA

View from Rotunda

Students' quarters at UVA

"C'ville", short for Charlottesville bears more of Mr. Jefferson's original buildings: the Rotunda and the Academical Village, with 54 single rooms are truly in the center of the University Lawn and very unique. The University of Virginia (UVA) was founded by Jefferson in 1819 and is now a thriving university. Jefferson's design was revolutionary, especially in regard to the Academical Village around a central Lawn. Students live in single rooms between professors' homes. At the head of the Lawn stands the library (also known as the "Rotunda") and from there a the view of the mountains towards Monticello is gorgeous!

 

The main axle and vivid veine of the modern city is Main Street (photo above), where shops and restaurants are rowing up and where we were lucky and found two used-book stores! A newer addition is the Dairy Market -  a food hall - including a brewery. One of many in town!