Destination Spotlight

Virginia - Charlottesville

Explore the life of our third President, Thomas Jefferson, and see how his thirst for knowledge and innovation led him as a farmer, an architect, a statesman, and an academic. Step back in time and see the world through Jefferson’s eyes at the turn of the 19th century.

• Explore Jefferson’s home and the grounds of Monticello to see the only house in America listed on the United Nations’ prestigious World Heritage list and where Jefferson cultivated hundreds of different fruits and vegetables. Students examine the architectural masterpiece of the home as well as many of Thomas Jefferson’s inventions.
• Discover revolutionary-era Virginia with costumed guides and servers at the historic Michie Tavern built in 1784 and enjoy a meal of traditional 18th century-style fare.
• Understand what Thomas Jefferson meant by an “academic village” while exploring the University of Virginia’s Lawn and famous Rotunda.

Did you know:

• Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia, inheriting from his father, a planter and surveyor, some 5,000 acres of land.
• A typical day for Jefferson started early, because, in his own words, “Whether I retire to bed early or late, I rise with the sun.”
• Jefferson was a poor speaker, but his literary talents made him a highly valued member of committees when resolutions and other public papers were drafted.

Links:

Monticello

University of Virginia

Michie Tavern

Visit Charlottesville