Monticello

931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA

Address:	931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
Phone:	+1 434-984-9800
Site:	monticello.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 4

Peter Hildebrandt

I guess I come to this with a bit different perspective than most people. As I do that last work to complete my novel, the story of one of Thomas Jeffersons slaves, James Hubbard I will admit its a bit hard for me to remain objective. I guess my biggest complaint is that this site is NOT run by the NPS who does an excellent job with all of their sites. Instead, it all felt VERY money-oriented, I mean after working on my book for a number of years, I didnt even need to see the interior of the house, but just walk up the hill to get more of a feeling for the lay of the land. A sign greeted me telling me I could go no further without paying 25 bucks. Fine. I paid the money and then felt very herded and condescended to by a collection of snippy guides. There was talk of 2000 visitors that day and another day when 10,000 came through. At 25 dollars a pop, thats 50,000 for the day I was there, and a quarter million for the other day....perhaps the place brings in 50 million a year. Military people can enter for free, but what about African Americans whose ancestors were property for decades, slaving to keep Jefferson and his family fed, bedded and sheltered with very little in return? Could they not give them at least a discount in price if not free admission? Great to pay back military folks, but what about paying back in just this small way the people, their descendants who paid with their blood, sweat, tears and lives for Jeffersons freedom, a free life that truly was a life of beauty and elegance, food ascending out of the ground all prepared without showing the black hands that prepared it! The fact that General Kosciusko, a good friend of Jefferson, offered him what amounted to some 215,000 dollars in his will to free and establish his slaves in occupations beneficial to them, was refused by Jefferson was slapped down by the tour guide with some comment like, "There was confusion about that will, that never really happened...." Sally Hemmings was mentioned as the tour guide walked between rooms so that you could hardly hear her, almost dismissively. There was also no acknowledgement that the debt that Jefferson had all his life, much of it was due to his insistence on a very luxurious life style for the times, French wines, food, products. The fact is Monticello did more to institutionalize slavery and make it a part of the fabric of this countrys existence was never really acknowledged. The guide made sure we knew where Jefferson was buried with his white family...the original plan was for the rest of his family who happened to be "black" would be there too. The guide finally mentioned that "slaves" were buried down at the bottom of the hill, where I might add a parking lot for tour buses was nearly built on top of the graves. I truly feel that the fact the Sally Hemmings was Jeffersons concubine for 35 years should be stated. She was not his wife, but his property. She was in Paris with him, pregnant with his child at 16 and when she thought of staying in a place where she had her freedom, with her brother James, Jefferson had to negotiate with her to get her to come back to America with him, with the promise that at 21 he would free her children. I cannot recall if he lived up to that promise or not or if she was freed at his death in 1826. Anyway, I found it ironic how much the introductory film played up how inspirational his declaration of "Independence" was all throughout the world. The fact was, Jefferson truly felt black were inferior, despite their making all this around you possible in EVERY way.

Michael Bailey

Beautiful place but the self guided tour is difficult however due to the movement at your own pace. Sometimes the tour guides do not brief you on the room as they did the last group since they are waiting on the next "full" group to travel through. Get to the property early however or you will not have time to tour the gardens and grounds as well. The walk up instead of taking the bus up is not worth the hike in the summer simply because you will make it to the top hot and disinterested in seeing much until you have had a chance to cool off. Bring a refillable water bottle. They have re fillers in the Bathroom foyers. Unless your looking for a quick snack dont fuss with buying merchandise from the farms market at the house. It will only mean you have to lug it around while you continue the tour. You really should venture in to the vegetable garden and look over from the little 4 season pavilion on the edge. You will get to see the winery famous for never producing a bottle from European grapes that were imported. Take a full stroll past the garden and walk back up mulberry row. Its mostly shaded from the mid day sun, very beautiful and full of history. On your departure is when you should walk back down. The path is shaded and you will walk right by the cemetery as well. From this point you can catch a bus back down to the visitor center OR you can continue your down hill walk back. Take your time at the visitor center. Its a wealth of information. Enjoy your day and go early and go slow. So much to see at little mountain.

Darle J. Dawson

History, unique and magnificent American architecture, breathtaking views. Plan to spend the day (or a good half-day). Parking is free; tickets (also known as Day Passes) are required to access the mountaintop where you will find the house, ornamental and vegetable gardens, Mulberry Row and other attractions. ***Passes are required regardless of whether you choose ride the quick shuttle or walk the trail.*** You will be politely redirected to the ticket office, located at the entrance of the Visitor Center directly opposite the Museum Shop, if you do not have tickets. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed on the property. Please remember to bring water and a water vessel for your dog - any time of year, not only in summer. There is a café at the Visitors Center as well as an excellent museum that houses artifacts and artwork, and a theater featuring a 15-minute film on Jefferson. Every time we visit we learn something new. Bring your camera - you may take photos, but not inside the house. From the shuttle boarding to lining up for the house tour to wandering the grounds, the staff is welcoming, friendly and professional. If you cant stay the whole day, be sure to visit the house; basic tours last 35-40 minutes and are well worth your time.

Alan Thomas

I was in Charlottesville in January on business and a colleague and I had some free time, so we went to Monticello. Being the dead of winter, it was right at freezing outside, so we rather had the place to ourselves. The ticketing, gift shop, and museum area at the base of the mountain were all very nice. There was a short bus ride to the house. Since there were only a handful of people there, we were able to snap some great photos of the outside of the house with nobody else in the shot. Once in the house, we had about 5 others in our tour group. The tour lasted about 45 minutes and the guide was insightful and knowledgeable. After the house tour, we spent about an hour exploring the rest of the structure. It was cold out, but there was no wind and the sun was shining, so we decided to walk back down the mountain past the cemetery. It was very interesting to see that the cemetery has modern day descendants of Jefferson buried there. As we left the small parking lot, we noticed that there were additional lots that could clearly park hundreds of cars. I cant imagine how crowded this place must get in the summer. If given the opportunity, visit this place in the off season - it will really enhance your experience.