Historical Sites
Monticello, the Rotunda and the grounds of UVA - designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites - draw both U.S. and international visitors intrigued by how the area helped shape and was shaped by the politics and personalities of the country's founding fathers.
Not surprisingly, both sites bear the touch of one of world's most important historical figures, Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors each year tour Monticello, the mountaintop home he planned and designed in painstaking details and continued to evolve throughout his life. Ash Lawn-Highland, the nearby residence of the fifth U.S. president, James Monroe offers a unique perspective on the working farm and estate that friend, neighbor and fellow President Jefferson too understood.
Jefferson's most important legacy, however, lies in the heart of Charlottesville. One for which the architecture is merely the outer trappings to underlying ideals: The Rotunda and adjoining Pavilions that form The Lawn at the University of Virginia founded what is today one of the top universities in the nation, fulfilling Jefferson's vision of creating a "bulwark of the human mind in this hemisphere."
While these sites form a triple crown for history lovers, the region offers much more for anyone fascinated by glimpses of the challenges, culture and quirks of colonial life, including a free walking tour of historic downtown.
Grace Episcopal Church
- 5607 Gordonsville Road
- Keswick, VA 22947
- (434) 293-3549
- Region: Miscellaneous/ Independent of Region
This fine specimen of the early, more picturesque interpretation of the Gothic Revival is the only known Virginia work of William Strickland, one of the nation's leading architects of the ... MORE >>
Hatton Ferry
- 10120 Hatton Ferry Road
- Scottsville, VA 24590
- (434) 296-1492 | Fax: (434) 296-4576
- Region: Miscellaneous/ Independent of Region
Come take a ride on the Hatton Ferry, a historic ferry across the James River and the only poled ferry still operating in the United States. The Hatton Ferry operates free of charge, although a ... MORE >>
Historical Highway Markers - Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- Richmond Road (U.S. 250) east of Exit 124 (Interstate 64)
- Richmond, VA 23221
- (804) 367-2323 | Fax: (804) 367-2391
- Region: Miscellaneous/ Independent of Region
One of many Virginia Highway Markers that commemorate people, events or other historic resources within the Commonwealth. Visible from the road 24 hours a day.
SHADWELL, ... MORE >>
Jack Jouett's Ride Historic Marker
- Intersection of East High Street and Park Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (804) 367-2323 | Fax: (804) 367-2391
- Region: Miscellaneous/ Independent of Region
This historic marker commemorates the site of the historic Cuckoo tavern. Open 24 hours a day.
JACK JOUETT’S RIDE
From the tavern that stood here, Jack Jouett rode to ... MORE >>
Jackson Park
- 501 East Jefferson Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 970-3589
- Region: Miscellaneous/ Independent of Region
Jackson Park consists of 0.4 acres and includes all of the property bordered by Jefferson Street, Fourth Street N.E., High Street and the Albemarle County Court Building. This property, once known ... MORE >>
Jarman Gap
- Jarman Gap
- Crozet, VA 22932
- (540) 999-3500 | Fax: (540) 999-3601
- Region: Miscellaneous/ Independent of Region
Jarman Gap is most easily reached by entering the Shenandoah National Park at Rockfish Gap; after about eight miles, the trailhead can be found at milepost 96.8 on the Skyline Drive. Another ... MORE >>
Jefferson School
- 204 4th St NW
- Charlottevsille, VA 22902
- (434) 293-2259
- Region: Downtown Mall Area
The red brick school building has stood for over 125 years as a symbol of the dedication of the Charlottesville Black community to the education of children. And now the Jefferson School on Fourth ... MORE >>
Lee Park
- 2nd Street NE and Market Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 970-3589
- Region: Miscellaneous/ Independent of Region
Lee Park contains all of the land bounded by Jefferson Street, First Street N.E., Market Street and Second Street N.E. In 1917 Paul Goodloe McIntire donated the land to the City to be used as a ... MORE >>
Lewis & Clark and Sacagawea Statue
- West Main Street and Ridge Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 970-3589
- Region: Miscellaneous/ Independent of Region
This impressive and historic statue is located at the intersection of Ridge and Main Streets in Charlottesville, and commemorates the 1803-1806 journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The ... MORE >>
Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center
- Darden Towe Park
- Charlottesville, VA 22911
- (434) 979-2425
- Region: Pantops
The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center offers hands-on activities for children on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM May through October. Groups can reserve time by appointment. A life-size replica of the ... MORE >>
