Monticello, in a word; BEAUTIFUL! A house 40 years in the making. Take a drive and see how fast houses go up these days, quite different indeed. Thomas Jefferson's house was continuous. He designed it, began building and constantly added to and made alterations; and thus it was 40 years in the making. You can tour the inside and the grounds surrounding the house. Various ticket prices are available based on whether you buy on line ahead of time, the day of, or purchase a combination ticket. March through October the visiting hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm with reduced hours the other months. A statesmen, a farmer, a President, an inventor. Many of his inventions still exist in some form today. He loved books, visiting his library is a must. The most interesting thing to me were the separate book shelves. Each shelf was made independent of those it sat on or under. Because Thomas Jefferson traveled a great deal and always wanted to take books with him, each shelf was separate so it could be picked up and packed as a separate unit.
You'll see extensive and beautiful gardens throughout the property. Jefferson believed plants, be it The Grove, Orchard, Vineyards, vegetable or flower gardens were a botanical laboratory.
Visit Mulberry Row, now a long line of much needed shade trees; a beautiful lane as you learn about the slaves who lived and worked the land in the 1700 and 1800's. This small spot measures 20 1/2 feet by 12, is listed as stop #3. This is one of 5 cabins that stood on Mulberry Row, built with logs on a foundation of stone, with an earthen floor and chimney. These small quarters were inhabited by slaves.
Jefferson's Memorial is among many in this locked family burial ground. One can't get even a frontal view of the monument which marks the graves of Thomas Jefferson, his wife, his two daughters, and his son-in-law Governor Randolph. The monument we see is not the one designed by Jefferson himself; but one the US government placed here in 1883. Jefferson's school mate and friend Dabney Carr was the first burial in this graveyard. The two friends had a pack to be buried here under a large oak at the top of the hill.
A plague shows the graveyard layout, and lists who's buried where. This historic home is well worth the time to tour. It's beautiful, educational, and most enjoyable. Inside tours probably not well suited for little ones; but they can sure run and enjoy the outdoor areas. From this hill top you have panoramic views of Charlottesville, The University of Virginia, and the surrounding forests.**hubby and I would like to return and spend more time here.
****Click here to read about The University of Virginia.
I really enjoy reading your every posts. It seems I'm also in a travelogue, more correctly, in my armchair travelogue, because of your vivid description of the places that you portray in your articles, complete with handsome pictures.
ReplyDeleteYour post today made me reminisce my high school days of long ago when we were studying American history and Thomas Jefferson. I now recall that Jefferson was called the sage of Monticello.
P.S. I mentioned that I added your blog to my Entrecard drop list so that I can visit your blog daily to read your new and interesting post and to drop on your Entrecard widget.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your comments. I really appreciate it.
Eli, Business Sphere blog
I have only watched videos on Monticello. What a grand, and amazing place. I would love to visit for real some day.
ReplyDeleteI love Virginia, so many beautiful areas, spaces and views. I'm all about the view and scenery. You take care...Jude
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've just had a wonderful lesson in the beautiful history of Virginia. I have visited Monticello before...your brought back some lovely memories!
ReplyDeleteI always like visiting Monticello. Great photo. On my way to Virginia Tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like a great place to visit! I'll have to make a note of it so that we can stop by the next time we're in the area! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteA part of the South I'd like to explore more, it's been many years since I visited DC and Mount Vernon!
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful post:D I really enjoyed it! I wished I had read the history a little bit more before I visited DC... I could have more appreciation but it's not too late...thanks for the very informative article, Sandy. Keep it coming!:))
ReplyDeletehmmmmmm.. where is the mention of Sally ?
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to go to Monticello. Hopefully sometime I will get to go, but until then I have your beautiful pictures and story!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a trip we will take when the kids get a little older. Rich in history and beautiful scenery it will be a great day-trip.
ReplyDeleteI also have to metnion how I love how you went from Va to Russia to Cali and back to Va. It's like coming back home (for me).
Thanks for some great traveling!
Beautiful photos and a wonderful post on Monticello! I've never been but sure hope to visit there one day!
ReplyDelete"Traveling Suitcase" has been included in this weeks Sites To See. I hope you like the image I featured, and I hope this helps to attract many new visitors here.
ReplyDeletehttp://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2009/08/sites-to-see_21.html
Nice post I learn something about virginia and that montecillo house, its one big,nice built house
ReplyDeleteI remember as a kid going to Monticello; I must take my son! Come to think of it, I am reminded by all your posts that I work too much and need to make more time so my wife and kiddo can see many of these great places I got to see.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I think I love your blog!
Testing a bit, just installed new computer and trying to figure things out.
ReplyDeleteSandy
i really like these old type of houses. full of history. enjoy reading about it's story
ReplyDelete[quote taken from my blog http://modernhistorian.blogspot.com ]
ReplyDeleteAlways an interesting read.
Happy Belated Independence Day to Indonesia.
Wondered if you'd like to trade links? Often my travel blogs give historical details of the area we've visited. Thanks for the consideration.
Sandy
[end quote]
I have added a link to your blog. Please let me know when you have done the same. Cheers, K
Interesting place. This is absolutely a vacation I would consider. :)
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I have posted a new article about the Magnificent Love River.
It looks like a nice place to visit. I haven't been to Virginia much, but its something I'd like to consider.
ReplyDeleteHow neat! And that house is absolutely beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteNice revisionist post. You don't mention the slave owner that he was and the fact that he raped Sally Hemings. If you are going to talk about the man as a historical figure how about the good as well as the bad?
ReplyDeleteI love Virginia a lot. Really beautiful city. I love all beaches and resorts. You gave such a wonderful information. I like your content. Thanks
ReplyDeleteRenee seems a bit angry. I do mention slaves; perhaps she missed that. Being a slave owner doesn't diminish his accomplishments as a inventor, or change the fact that the house is beautiful and fun to explore. It would be revisionist history if I said he wasn't a slave owner; but I did not.
ReplyDeleteHowever I will state for the record all the reading I've done indicatesw he was in love with Sally. She travled with him, they had a child together (though some questions still exist about that and the DNA), but I've not read she was raped by him.
Sandy
I LOVE Monticello. I went there when I was younger and would love to go back someday. My favorite part about it was the clock he built into the house that showed the days of the week and had to go into the basement :)
ReplyDeleteHe was not in love with Sally Hemings he was a serial rapist. BTW calling a WOC of racist in which disagrees with your position is an expression of privilege.
ReplyDeleteApparently Renee wants to debate about what information is accurate and what is speculative. This is a travel blog, not a political blog. This blog showcases fun places to see, things to visit and learn. The historic grounds, house, and cemetery are well worth the time.
ReplyDeleteRenee expressing your opinion is your right, but this is a family suitable travel blog. And this post is about a place, a location to see. Neither are about debating the complexities of a man. Therefore please refrain from inappropriate comments.
I'll definitely love to visit the house on your photo :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review as usual :)
The last time we were in Washington, D.C. we were outside, but didn't go in...next time we'll have to get tickets ahead of time so we can go in :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, sounds amazing. I live in the Washington DC area and haven't yet made it this far south yet. Definitely on our to do list. Thanks for the tips on how to get tickets. I have 'a thing' for old mansions, there are some pretty incredible ones in Virginia. Mount Vernon is a great place to visit also. Northern VA has a ton of wonderful old homes to tour.
ReplyDeleteInteresting - yesterday you commented on my John Jay Homestead article, remarking on how it's too bad that I couldn't take photos inside. Well, inside there's a book case made of separable shelves that sounds a lot like the one you mentioned here! Jay was also a traveling scholar - in fact he was a traveling judge, so he needed to always have those books with him. No Internet, no Adobe Reader, no CDs, just a horse, wagon and some shelves. :-)
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