Monticello, the Virginia home of American founder Thomas Jefferson, is a Roman neoclassical masterpiece. Jefferson moved onto the property in 1770, but the mansion was not completed until 1809, after Jefferson's second term as president. The domed building features east- and west-facing porticos that bookend an entrance hall and parlor. Jefferson, ever the tinkerer and innovator, made all sorts of improvements to Monticello to maximize space and light.
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The 43-room mansion has 13 skylights, including one over Jefferson's bed. On the tour of Monticello, you'll have a chance to see Jefferson's mansion up close. The house was the centerpiece of Jefferson's plantation, which totaled 5,000 acres at its peak. About 130 slaves worked the land, tended livestock, cooked, and cleaned there during Jefferson's life.
Monticello Information
Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy.Charlottesville, VA
Telephone: 434/984-9822
Hours of Operation:
- Mar - Oct: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily
- Nov - Feb: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., daily
Admission: $15 adults; $7 kids
To learn more about family vacation destinations, see:
- Family Vacations: Learn about hundreds of family vacations in destinations all over North America.
- Virginia State Guide: Learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in Virginia, as well as other recreational activities.
- Scenic Drives: For those who think that getting there is half the fun, we have compiled more than 100 of the most scenic drives throughout the country.
