Jefferson's Virginia, Part 1
In terms of natural beauty, the Commonwealth of Virginia ranks high on my list of east coast destinations. Every time we drive through the state I’m amazed at the picturesque rolling hills, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and plains of grazing animals. At Christmas we had the use of a GPS which routed us through some small country roads, giving us an even greater appreciation for the attractiveness of area. But, obviously, Virginia has much more to offer visitors than simple geography. Just driving along the highway seeing signs for Antietam and Appomattox Court House causes one to reflect upon and desire to learn more about our nation’s history, specifically the American Civil War. Because we were so close to Charlottesville on our return trip from North Carolina, we decided to stop by and see some of the great buildings designed by President Thomas Jefferson…and we were not at all disappointed in our decision.


Besides the understated splendor of the neoclassical building,
there are many interesting decorative elements as well: elk antlers sent by Lewis
and Clark from their transcontinental expedition, native American art
similar to that prized by the former president, and famous portraits of
Jefferson by Thomas Sully and Gilbert Stuart.
Visitors can also walk around the property and see the president’s grave,
the fish pond, and the gardens. Thomas Jefferson was a true renaissance man whose broad interests and expertise were nothing short of outstanding. A politician, architect, traveler, avid reader, rabid learner, and speaker of several languages, he even taught himself to read Spanish during his transatlantic trips to Europe. A trip to Monticello helps tourists to understand what prompted President Kennedy to tell a group of Nobel Prize winners at a dinner at the White House: "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human
knowledge, that has ever been gathered together in the White House—with
the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone." Next week we'll examine other architectural accomplishments of this great man.
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