Monticello

During this mild winter, you may consider visiting some of the numerous historical locations in our area. One of the more interesting and inspiring spots is Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello. A tranquil three hour drive from Waldorf will deliver you to the architectural masterpiece of one of our greatest presidents. Located outside of Charlottesville Virginia, this mountaintop home provides visitors with numerous diversions certain to educate as well as inspire patriots of all ages. Although most are drawn by the opportunity to visit Jefferson's house, the plantation and grounds of Monticello are also quite impressive.

The house itself is 218 years old and was constructed in the Roman neoclassicism style. As you enter the main hall with it's 18 foot ceiling, you are immediately transported back to revolutionary times. The majority of the furniture in the 40 rooms are original and were owned by Jefferson himself. The use of space is both practical and elegant. As you make your way through the lovingly restored rooms, you can't help but appreciate the genius of our third president. The use of skylights, thirteen in all, was, all together, a new concept in American architecture. There are certainly no shortage of awe inspiring sights within the house, but Jefferson's bed and writing table are among the most memorable. Once the house tour ends, there is plenty more to explore on the surrounding grounds.

Monticello was not just a house. It was a major working farm as well. The plantation included 5,000 agricultural acres. There were, in fact, four individual farms on this land. The plantation included the main farm of Monticello as well as three quarter farms; Shadwell, Tufton and Lego. In addition to being the home of Jefferson and his family, Monticello was home to workers both black and white and both enslaved and free. There were 130 enslaved African Americans to assist with activities performed on this land. They raised the crops, tended the livestock, made barrels, nails, cloth, and carriages. In addition, they aided in the construction of Monticello and crafted many of the furnishings. Jefferson's plantation was a major center of agriculture and industry.

Jefferson was known for his love and study of botany and this is certainly evident as you walk through the extensive gardens surrounding Monticello. It would have been more obvious had we gone in the spring, but the knowledgeable tour guides painted a vivid picture of what these areas will look like when in full bloom. Jefferson brought plants from around the world to grow in his gardens. Some were for scientific purposes while others were ornamental. There were 250 varieties of vegetables grown in the garden terrace and 170 kinds of fruit cultivated in the eight acre orchard area. These gardens are still painstakingly maintained for the enjoyment of visitors.

To take in all of Monticello would take several visits. To get the most out of your day, arrive early to avoid the lines for the house tour and enjoy the surrounding ground at your leisure. If you time it correctly, you can enjoy a magnificent sunset from the mountain top; the same vista that Jefferson himself enjoyed on countless occasions.

For information about times, ticket prices, and special events, visit www.monticello.org.