Visiting Monticello

After completing our Unit on Jefferson we decided to take a 

field trip to Monticello.

The Estate is in itself 5,000 acres. 

At the visitor's center down the mountain has a coffee shop and 

a place to buy tickets. 

You may purchase two types of tickets.

One is a tour of the cellar and the first floors of the house.

A second tour is available and that will take you to the Dome.

Inside Jefferson's house photography or video is not allowed.

You are only to take photos of the outside of the Estate.

After purchasing either tickets you will take a shutter that will drive you up

the mountain where Monticello is located.

This shutter will provide a small historical summary of Monticello.

Once inside some of the replicated artifacts of the Lewis and Clark expedition

are on display and also some of the furniture and books used by Jefferson.

Architecture

Reminiscent to the days Jefferson spent in France just before
the French Revolution started. You can see that while
Jefferson lived in a small part of Monticello he started construction French style
once he came back from France.
The arches and wide entrances are an example of this as well as the bold
pillars that stand in the front of the house.

Gadgets

Among the amazing things are the revolving door in the dining room, 

the wine cellar and of course the double doors of the study.

These are still in working condition and you may have the kids

try a replicated wine pull system on the cellar.

Pretty interesting stuff!!

Monticello as a Plantation

You may also walk down to Mulberry Row plantation 

for a slavery tour as well as the cellar where the kitchen is.

Down to the outside where the Mulberry Row tour begins.

Since we took this tour as part of our Unit Study it was

important for us to also touch of the dark side of Monticello

and that was slavery and the Nail Factory ran by Jefferson's overseers.

Slavery and children

Children worked at this factory sorting nails until they were old enough

to make them. 

They were regularly wiped and lived in the poorest conditions you can 

imagine.

The Heming's Legacy

During our visit we were able to observe and talk about

the Heming Legacy and all the descendants of Jefferson still 

alive today, as well as see where Sally Hemings quarters were.

We were able to visit the Kitchen and see some of the furniture 

done by the Hemings inside Monticello.

Plantation tour begins here. Outside of Monticello. 

Some of the slave structures remain and in the back you can see the vegetable garden.

You can observe the condition in which the slaves lived. 

Our experience in Monticello

Even to this day it is understood that Jefferson was a man of many deeds,

However, his flaws were as great as his deeds.

He remains a controversial figure in the history of the United States.

A man who fought for the freedom of all and yet owned so more 

than 600 souls freeing only seven of them after death.

More Photos

Jefferson's Tomb

Walking the grounds of Monticllo

Download our Lap Book Here