Monticello — Attraction in Charlottesville

My family and I had wanted to visit Monticello for years, hoping to learn about one of the founding fathers. Wow, what a disappointment! First of all, security was tighter than getting into the White House. The lady checked each one of my keys on the key chain. Weird but ok, maybe they had a previous incident. Then we start our $42 house tour. I should’ve known something was up when the female tour guide started with “why did Jefferson get more inheritance? Because he was a man - and men get everything. Only women would know that answer”. Ok, I can agree with that- kinda. Then starts the house tour- I mean slavery tour. In the first room, our guide compared heights to my husband( he’s around 6’2 and so was Jefferson) but she adds “except Jefferson is much skinnier”. I thought it was funny but am not so sure other people like being called fat, lol. I learned absolutely nothing new other than Jefferson being an evil man, slave owner and rapist. The tour guide kept mentioning Sally Hemmings and how he fathered 6 children with her. Then the tour guide asks us- “are slaves allowed to say no?” - as she approached four of us intently with that question as we hesitantly say “no?”. Geez, so now he’s a rapist? How awful! She kinda mentioned Jefferson’s wife in passing that she didn’t really know how she felt about him- even though she wrote in journals. Left us all with an impression she hated him. He burned their correspondence and that no one knows why. During our tour, a gentleman wanted to ask about the dining tables and our guide abruptly stopped him, said “no questions in that room” as we were rushed to an outdoor brick pavilion. The museum and exhibits were subpar, mostly paying homage to the slaves and their descendants. Not that it was a bad thing just I learned absolutely nothing about Jefferson other than how horrible, evil, he was. I turned to my family after the tour and said “why do I feel like I want to spray paint “Jefferson is an evil colonizer, rapist and proud slave owner”? I left with a demoralizing hatred towards him. On top of that, you have to pay for a tour of second floor of the house - not included in our $42 fee! So sad to bring my family to a historical place to learn about a remarkable man, only to have left having hateful feelings towards him. It was so bad that I had to google his accomplishments- many that weren’t mentioned! If you want to hate America and its founding fathers, this is the tour for you. Otherwise, please save your money! At Mt. Vernon (George Washington) you left with a sense of pride and the topic of slavery was well told. They need to take notes on how to present historical facts without bias. I’ve already started telling everyone I know how disappointing...

I visited Monticello in Jan. 2023. I was able to gain an immersive first-hand view into the mind of one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers. From the beautifully preserved architecture to the in-depth historical insights, every moment at Monticello felt like stepping back in time.

Jefferson was a man of vision and as multi-faceted as great historical figures can get. A visit to Monticello reveals and highlights many of those facets, as close as one can get to meeting him.

On meeting Jefferson, my absolute highlight was the opportunity to interact with the professional Jefferson impersonator / historian. His depth of knowledge, eloquence, and mannerisms made it feel as though we were truly speaking with Jefferson himself. He engaged visitors in discussions about everything from the Declaration of Independence to Jefferson’s scientific pursuits, seamlessly weaving in humor, wit, and historical context. I was glad to have got to receive very nuanced replies (and not just one-sided answers, but back-and-forth conversaion) regarding Jefferson's drafting of the declaration, and his personal views on slavery.

The buildings and grounds themselves are a masterpiece. The main house is an architectural wonder, with its iconic dome and intricate designs reflecting Jefferson’s love of innovation and classical influences. The gardens, slave quarters, and outbuildings provide an honest and thought-provoking look into both the brilliance and complexities of Jefferson’s legacy. The tour, and especially interaction with the impersonator, did excellent job of balancing admiration for Jefferson’s achievements with a candid discussion of his contradictions, particularly regarding his personal views and actions surrounding slavery.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the visit was learning more about Jefferson’s many roles — as a president, architect, scientist, and philosopher. The museum and visitor center provide fantastic exhibits that further enrich the experience, offering original letters, artifacts, and interactive displays. I was able to pay respects at his burial place, where his epitaph leaves to the world what the man himself felt was the achievements he would like to be remembered as – curiously, and tellingly, leaving out the title of him as the third President of the U.S..

For history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or anyone curious about early American life, Monticello is an absolute must-visit. The combination of expert storytelling, breathtaking scenery, and immersive historical interpretation makes it one of the best historical tours in...

I have been wanting to visit Monticello since I was in high school. As a lifelong Thomas Jefferson fan, this trip was a dream come true. The house and the grounds are absolutely breathtaking. Walking the same paths Jefferson once strolled is a surreal experience, and the meticulous preservation of this site is a true testament to its historical significance.

The gardens are a masterpiece, showcasing Jefferson’s ingenuity and love for horticulture. The panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the hilltop are nothing short of awe-inspiring. It's incredible to think how close we came to losing treasures like this in our history. It must truly be providence that Monticello still stands today, defying time and progress that often lead to the destruction of such historical gems.

This is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates American history, architecture, or simply the beauty of a well-preserved landmark. I left feeling inspired and even more in awe of Jefferson's vision and legacy. Monticello is not just a destination—it's an experience you'll carry with you forever.

While my visit to Monticello was an incredible experience, I must admit that I was disappointed with our tour guide. Rather than providing a balanced perspective on Thomas Jefferson's life and legacy, the guide seemed overly focused on criticizing Jefferson for his ownership of slaves. While this is an important and undeniable part of his history, the presentation felt more like a one-sided condemnation than an exploration of the complexities of Jefferson’s time and his efforts to address the issue of slavery.

Jefferson lived in an era when slavery was legally sanctioned under the rule of the British Crown and early America. While he owned slaves—a fact that cannot be ignored—he also made significant attempts to challenge the institution, even drafting proposals to abolish it. He famously acknowledged that the timing wasn’t right and that society wasn’t ready, but his efforts laid groundwork for future progress.

I would have appreciated a more nuanced discussion that acknowledged Jefferson’s flaws while also recognizing his contributions to liberty, governance, and the founding of our nation. History is complicated, and reducing such a pivotal figure to only one aspect of his life does a disservice to visitors seeking to understand the full scope of his legacy.

Monticello is a place of immense historical importance, and I hope future tours provide a more balanced and educational approach to interpreting Jefferson’s...