Charlottesville, Virginia Area

Spent 4 days in this area visiting historical sites and driving part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Parkway goes from the North Carolina (Smokies) to Virginia.  Spent an afternoon in downtown Charlottesville, home of University of VA which was founded by Thomas Jefferson.  Also visited President's James Madison & James Monroe homes.  Stayed at Misty Mountain Resort, Greenwood, VA. which was a beautiful campground with a country setting.

Misty Mountain Campground office entrance.  They presented this floral arrangement for Cheryl's enjoyment!

Blue Ridge Parkway

One of many overlooks from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Another overlook, person in the picture has changed!

Looking closely at the picture you can see a rock formation amount the trees.  This was named "Humpback Mountain" by the original settlers.

Humpback Rocks Visitor Center Area - Collection of original Appalachian buildings.  This one room cabin was relocated and restored. 

View is beautiful, just wish there were less clouds.

Wigwam Falls - Downstream

Wigwam Falls - Top

Trail from falls - Interesting rock formation, spiral!

Yankee Horse Ridge - Reconstructed logging railroad spur.

OK, now we will get out of the forest!

President James Monroe Ash Lawn-Highland home.  Thomas Jefferson was a neighbor and helped Monroe purchase this land, about 500 acres. 

James Monroe

He defined the President's requirements and their duties in the Constitution.

Monroe held many different positions before coming the 5th US President.

Served in the American Revolution, Continental Congress, Virginia Senator, Minister of France, Governor of VA,         Minister to France and England, Secretary of State & War under Madison (only individual to serve both offices at the same time), finally President.  Busy guy - kind of like a Plant Manager!!!!

Charlottesville

Downtown Charlottesville, VA - Enjoyed a nice lunch on Main Street.  Shops and Restaurants occupy the area. 

University of Virginia

University of Virginia - The Pavilions and Rotunda were designed by Thomas Jefferson and were the original buildings of the university.  Virginia would later make this a state university. Thomas Jefferson Academical Village

Thomas Jefferson's interests came together at the University of VA.  Vision as an educator, talent as an architect and skill as a gardener.

The Pavilions served as both classrooms and housing, professors and students.  Jefferson believed education should be a 24/7  process and therefore wanted professor - student exposure.

The Rotunda top floor housed the library.  Jefferson, before he died, made a list 6,860 volumes to be acquired by the library

Rotunda was destroyed by fire but rebuild to Jefferson's original design.

Rotunda is used today for key University meetings.  

This is the lawn area, south of the Rotunda, and between the Pavilions.  Pavilions are still used today to house facility memebers and 4th year students.  Students are granted this priviledge by their academic record and their service to the University community.

Rotunda top floor which once housed the library.  

Thomas Jefferson statue

Rotunda Front View

Madison Montpelier - James Madison's grandfather owned the original land and James father built Montpelier around 1765 

President James Madison Montpelier

Madison was one of the primary forces behind the creation of the United States Constitution. He created the primary framework on which the Constitution was built, was the principal author of it, promoted the need for it and was the primary speaker and director of the Constitutional Convention.

Madison signed the US Constitution in 1787, one of only two signers who would later become President, the other was George Washington

As Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State, Madison oversaw the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the United States

Madison was President when Congress declared war on Great Britain igniting the War of 1812 - his critics called this "Mr. Madison's War," the war unpopular in many quarters, but General Andrew Jackson's brilliant victory at New Orleans led to a huge upsurge in nationalism and destroyed the opposing party, the Federalists

Madison signed the Treaty of Ghent, the document that officially ended the War of 1812

Montpelier was sold by Dolley Madison after James died to return to Washington.  Montpelier had numerous owners including the Dupont's.  The last Dupont owner willed the estate back to the Historic Preservation.  Home and surroundings are being restored to the James Madison era.

View from Montpelier front porch, 2650 total acres

The Dupont's influenced the current gardens 

Another garden view, it has several levels.

Flowers in the garden

Another Garden view

Cheryl with James and Dolley Madison.  Notice Cheryl's height versus James!

Backyard where Madison's held many parties.  Large lawn area with shade trees.

Another backyard view.

The historical society has replicated games.  They have a hands-on area in the backyard so people can make items using historical tools and equipment. 

Ice house - ice was stored below this structure.  James promised ice cream on the July 4 because he could store ice year round.

James Madison tombstone with Dolley's in the background. Many family members are buried in this property cemetary. There was also a cemetary for the slaves on the property.

Leaving Charlottesville, VA area heading to PA