The Home Of A Living Contradiction - Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

Monticello was the primary slave labor plantation of Declaration of Independence author, architect, Governor of Virginia, Ambassador to France, U.S. Vice President, two-term President and Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson called Monticello his home from 1770 until his death in 1826. Jefferson began designing and re-designing this home after inheriting the land from his father when he was 26. Jefferson ran his properties with about 600 enslaved people during the course of his life. Jefferson also wrote “all men are created equal”, but to him slaves were property and were not included in this statement.

If you do decide to visit Monticello, be sure to take the many different tours offered, including the house tour. The thought-provoking Slave Tour conducted by tour guides like Justin explore the complicated past of Jefferson and the enslaved lives here at Monticello.

When Jefferson died, on July 4, 1826, he left his heirs with an estate in early stages of decay due to years of neglect and a significant amount of debt, due to his lavish spending. It was said that his slaves cried when they learned the news. Was this because they actually cared for him, or were they concerned that they would be auctioned off separately, breaking up their families? Monticello was bought in 1836 by real estate speculator Uriah Levy. Levy and his nephew Jefferson Monroe Levy are largely responsible for its restoration and preservation.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

Informational postings around the property

The house and reflection in the fish holding pond

Some of the plantation’s enslaved buildings

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Monticello, Italian for “little mountain” is a three-story brick building with am eight-sided dome on top. The octagonal dome was the first of its kind in the US.

The next few images are from the entrance hall. Jefferson like to visually and intellectually engage his visitors while they waited to meet with him.

Copies of Old Masters paintings and some artifacts

An eagle medallion on the ceiling and animal furs draped over the second-floor balcony.

Part of the great clock

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Animal antlers and bones along with a bust and maps

In the family sitting room

In the Library

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In his bedroom

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The skylight and round openings in his closet above his bed alcove

Family and friends would gather in the Parlor for games, music and conversation.

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The Parlor held most of Jefferson’s art collection, including portraits of many people he considered noteworthy and admired.

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The Parlor had several tables for cards or other amusements

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The dining room which was used to take two meals daily. Concealed in the right side of the fireplace (with a small door open) is the dumbwaiter.

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When Jefferson went to France he brought a member of the enslaved staff with him to learn French cooking. Daniel Webster noted that dinners at Monticello were served in half Virginian, half French style.

The North Pavillion

Monticello was a functional home and a series of architectural experiments.

The current US nickel features a depiction of Monticello on the back.

The passage under the house

The enslaved working and living area in the foundation of the house

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Some of the plantation’s enslaved buildings

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Within the foundation of one of the former buildings overlooking the valley, is the grave of Rachel Phillips Levy, the mother of second owner, Uriah Levy.

More exterior views

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A new tree grows out of the stump of one of the original trees on the estate

Monticello is also renowned for its extensive gardens, which Jefferson, an avid horticulturist, designed, and monitored.

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Some of the plantation other buildings

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This is Mulberry Road, one the dynamic industrial hub of Jefferson’s agricultural enterprise.

The gates around the Jefferson family cemetery

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The unmarked graves of the enslaved cemetery area

Jefferson designed this garden pavilion near the end of his second presidential term or during his retirement years.

Inside the garden pavilion

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, a non-profit organization, purchased the property in 1923 and continues to operate it as a museum and educational institution.

What you should know:

• Tickets can be bought on-line or on-site.

• Check the website for days and hours of operation.

• There are walking trails.

• People are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

• One price admission includes parking and self-guided tour of the grounds. There are additional tours included in the grounds admission. The house tour is an additional cost.

• Public restrooms are available.

• There are picnic grounds.

• There is a cafe located near the Visitors Center.

• There is a shuttle bus to take you from the Visitor’s Center or you can walk the trail.

• You can spend two hours to an entire day here depending on your level of interest.

Location: 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22909

For more information: Monticello