Jefferson founded and designed a university “based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind” next to what he described as the “pleasant & respectable village” of Charlottesville. CHARLOTTESVILLE
The Academical Village Distance from Monticello: 5.4 miles Thomas Jefferson founded Central College in 1816, which became the University of Virginia in 1819. He considered the founding of the University to be one of his greatest achievements, calling it “the Hobby of my old age.” James Madison and James Monroe were instrumental in UVA’s early years, joining Jefferson for the first meeting of the board of visitors in 1817. Jefferson designed the Academical Village, a terraced green space surrounded by residential and academic buildings, gardens and the majestic center point, the Rotunda. Through his telescope, Jefferson often observed the construction of the Rotunda, visible from Monticello’s North Terrace. In 1987, Monticello and the University of Virginia’s Academical Village were together named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Downtown Distance from Monticello: 4.5 miles Located in the downtown area,
Charlottesville’s Court Square is home to a historic courthouse, parts of which date to 1803. Court business and local elections were held there with the help of magistrates such as Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. The courthouse was also a place of worship and Jefferson often attended services there. It hosted a rotation of Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist and Presbyterian ministers. A block away, shops, restaurants, art galleries and theaters line Charlottesville’s brick-paved Downtown Mall, making it a favorite destination for locals and visitors.
Monticello to Main Street
Based largely on the research of Monticello historian Cinder Stanton, this video tour (monticello.org/ main-street) winds through the downtown area, sharing stories of free and enslaved African Americans with ties to Monticello who left a lasting impact on Charlottesville’s history.
19
Powered by FlippingBook