Monticello

Thomas Jefferson's residence (Monticello) is located on top of a hill not far outside Charlottsville,
Va. We drove the ten miles from the KOA where we're staying and spent the day touring and listening to stories about Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson inherited a 3000 acre plantation near Monticello when his father died and to that he added another 2000 acres for a total of 5000 acres. Rather than live on the plantation he built this house completing it in the early 1800's and retiring here with his daughter and her family after his presidency.

He owned about 140 slaves and, while he didn't think slavery was right, he couldn't see a way to run his plantation any other way. This was the kitchen where the slaves prepared the meals for the family and guests. Slave quarters were on Mulberry row just down the hill from the house.

He was an avid gardener and often brought back seeds from his travels. He referred to his garden as the Ellis Island for plants and he referred to his plants as edible immigrants. Of course the slaves saw to the garden which is slightly larger than my Aunt Helen's.






I am including this as a picture we all see everyday. If  you take a nickel from your pocket or purse and look on one side you'll see Thomas Jefferson. Flip it over and this picture will greet you.




Thomas Jefferson was truly an amazing man. He wrote the Declaration of Independence, ran this plantation, was our third president and still had time for his family, riding the estate, and hosting friends on a regular basis. After today I feel like I almost know him and am truly impressed.