While we were on a roll with famous President's homes we headed to Charlottesville, Virginia to visit Thomas Jefferson's famous Monticello. Sadly, his wife Martha, died 12 years after the Jefferson's took up residence. But, Jefferson relied on his neighbor, Dolly Madison to serve as a hostess for many of his formal dinners.
Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. The ideals of the Declaration- that "all men are created equal" and have a right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"- established the foundations of self-government and individual freedom in America. Yet, Jefferson had slaves: 20 inherited from his father and 135 from his father-in-law. Surprisingly, we learned, unlike George Washington, Jefferson did not free his slaves when he died.
Jefferson, a self taught architect, designed every aspect of Monticello. He selected virtually all of Monticello's furnishings, even the window draperies. In this room, the parlor, Jefferson's family and thier guests gathered to read, converse and play games and musical instruments. In this room he has portraits of his "trinity of the three greatest men the world has ever produced": Francis Bacon, Isaac Newton, and John Locke.
It is very impressive as you are guided through the house to see all the innovations that Jefferson brought into the house. The operating dumbwaiter (see photo & sorry for the flash) brought wine from the wine cellar up to the dining room. He copied all of his correspondence with a device that connected to his pen and wrote an exact copy on a separate sheet of paper. Even the dualentry doors to the parlor had a pulley system so when you open one door the other opens equally.
The garden evolved over many years, and in its final form resembled a terraced shelf 80 feet wide and 1000 feet long. At the wall's midpoint stands a pavilion that was used by Jefferson as a retreat. Just big enough for some seats to sit and ponder.
The view of Monticello from the West Lawn is equally impressive. The dome over the west front was the first on an American house.
We took the scenic hiking path to Jefferson's grave
Jefferson is buried at Monticello in a Grave Site chosen by him on the southwest slope of Monticello mountain. Despite the astounding range of accomplishments, the epitaph he wrote for his tombstone included only: "Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statue of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia.
It was truly fascinating to better understand Thomas Jefferson, our third president noted for the Louisana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. His personal library is the basis for the Library of Congress in addition to his serving as Secretary of State, Vice President under John Adams as well as serving as an ambassador to France. He retired in 1809 at the age of 66 and enjoyed his 15 years of retirement at his beloved Monticello.
Close by to Monticello is Ashlawn Highland, the home of President James Monroe
It was very surprising how different Ashlawn-Highland was compared to Monticello and Mount Vernon. Jefferson selected this house site and sent gardners from Monticello to start the orchards. The most surprising thing we found was that Elizabeth Monroe's dress form showed she was even smaller than I am. Also, because fabric was so expensive they had a pocket attached to their corset and just a slit in the dress to access the pocket.
James Monroe held more major offices than any other President: U.S. Senator, Miniser to France, England and Spain; Govenor of Virginia; Secretary of State and of War; and fifth Preisdent. As President Jefferson's envoy, Monroe negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. Taken from his 1823 message to Congress, the Monroe Doctrine formed the cornerstone of America's foreign policy. Sadly, in 1826 finances and poor health forced the sale of their "cabin castle."
One more dead president to see - James Madison. But, that is for our next stop!
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