Thomas Jefferson, our third American President from 1801-1809 was quite an eccentric and unique individual based on some of the things I learned during our visit to sites pertaining to him in Virginia. I’m currently reading his autobiography which makes it clear that he considers his primary achievement to have been his authorship of The Declaration of Independence rather that his Presidency. In addition, he was an architect, archaeologist, political philosopher, writer, scholar, horticulturist, inventor, paleontologist, and statesman. However he is best defined, he remains an enormous icon in American History and one definitely worth scoping out in my Presidential studies.
I had the pleasure of visiting his birthplace, resting place, two homes, and the colleges that he both attended and founded during our trek through Virginia. Here is the skinny on my association with Thomas Jefferson:
Thursday, August 9, 2007 – Thomas Jefferson Birthplace – Although the original house burnt down in 1770, Bob and I were able to locate the historical marker indicating the area where he was born in Shadwell, Virginia.
Thursday, August 9, 2007 – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – Nestled in the hills north of Charlottesville is Thomas Jefferson’s historic home – just a stone’s throw from James Monroe’s Ash Lawn – Highland home. We visited both the same day obviously, and Jefferson’s place was infinitely more impressive. Restored with as many personal articles of Jefferson’s as possible, it was amazing to see the architecture that went into the building – especially considering that it was Jefferson, who fancied himself quite an architect, was the one who had designed it himself.
My somewhat crooked photo of Monticello
The house was adorned with all kinds of interesting artifacts – including mounted animal heads and trinkets give to Jefferson by explorers Lewis and Clark – and inventions, such as a clock that releases balls down a rope that will stack up and indicate the day of the week as written on the wall. There wasn’t enough room to include them all, so Friday can actually be seen in the cellar below. I guess you have to see it to understand what I mean.
Jefferson built the house in 1768 and kept it until his death (he actually died there), at which time it was inherited by his daughter. Although it changed hands several times, it was amazingly restored back to authenticity. Monticello is featured on both the backsides of the two-dollar bill and the U.S. nickel.
Me and Monticello
Wednesday, August 8, 2007 – Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest – This one was less exciting. Jefferson lived (or more accurately, retreated) here often from 1806 until his death in 1826. He would stay at this house in Lynchburg often to get away from the masses that often attempted to visit him at Monticello. Almost all of the original wood within the house had burned and the site is currently under restoration. Therefore, the house inside looks completely unfinished. The only thing to admire here is the architecture, which was again designed by Jefferson himself. The entire house is shaped like an octagon, as is each individual room. It was worth seeing as a curio, but not worth the rather lofty price of $9 for admission, nor worthy of the measures to not allow photographs inside.
Me in front of the octagonal Poplar Forest home
Since there were no photos allowed inside the unfinished house, I had to settle for a photo of Jefferson’s former wine cellar. He was quite the connoisseur I understand.
Friday, August 10, 2007 – The University of Virginia – In addition to visiting the College of William and Mary where Jefferson attended, we also stopped by the college that he founded. I could tell you all about it, but you can read most of the info in the sign below. The UV also bore resemblance to the Virginia State Capitol, another Jefferson creation, which we also visited during the week.
UV and familiar Jeffersonian columns and dome
Thursday, August 9, 2007 – Thomas Jefferson’s Grave – Thomas Jefferson passed away on July 4, 1826…exactly 50 years to the day after the signing of the Declaration of Independence – and the exact same day that John Adams died. Jefferson’s grave is located on the Monticello estate described above. His wife Martha, who died 18 years before her husband assumed the presidency, is buried with him.
The epitaph was written by Jefferson himself with the insistence that ‘not a word more’ be added. Note there is no mention of his presidency.
Me and Thomas Jefferson
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