Monticello

History is absolutely fascinating, y'all. And how blessed we are to live in Virginia, where there is no shortage whatsoever of opportunities to see and walk among pieces of America's early days.

Aden's class loaded a charter bus for Charlottesville, and my friend Cheryl and I were ever so happy to follow behind, laughing and talking each others' ears off for the two hour drive.

It was as beautiful a trek as you might imagine up the eastern edge of the Appalachians in early November. We ate an early and chilly lunch among the leaves, endured the chaos of very limited restroom facilities and group organization for probably 200 kids at the visitors' center, then began our tour. Through one room of artifacts, then onto a rather luxurious shuttle bus. Out the windows, sprawling farmland for growing tobacco and wheat, and horse pasture as far as the eye could see. At the top of the little mount, Monticello in all its grandeur.

A map that Thomas Jefferson drew, circa 1774. On this map you can see labeled "Peaks of Otters" and Goose Creek, both of which are close to where we live.

Seeds of the plants grown in Monticello's kitchen garden.

A personal printing press that Jefferson created for himself.

Standing on the eastern side of the Appalachian mountains, facing due southeast toward Norfolk, flat as a pancake.

Slave quarters of the Hemmings.

The kitchen, very advanced in its day. Jefferson invented an automated spit for the fire, and to the left just out of the photo, is a wall of burners where the heat could be set differently for various dishes.

Jefferson built a tunnel from the kitchen into Monticello so his food wouldn't get wet or cold on its way to him.

Aaaand, the privy. Because poop is apparently interesting in any century.

A single-rider carriage, sometimes used in racing. It is said that Jefferson was a terrible driver.

The Eastern side and main entrance of Monticello. A less popular view because the dome is on the back part of the house.

Jefferson's inventions were everywhere around the property. This compass on the ceiling of the front porch was connected to a wind vane on the roof.

Through a clearing in the trees behind the house, the Rotunda of the University of Virginia can be seen.

Monticello's Western side.

And a bunch of eight-year-olds, as they put it, standing on the back of a nickel.

Enslaved boys would catch fish in local rivers and keep them alive and fresh in this artificial pond for eating later.

The first "house" to stand on the property, where Jefferson and his wife lived while Monticello was built.

A segment of the one-thousand-foot-long garden. At least the rows are short.

The original fireplace and chimney for a furniture shop.

TJ's seal on the fence of the cemetary, still owned by and open to his descendants.

Jefferson's gravestone, which, by his request, does not mention that he was once president of the United States.

Finally, we walked a meandering trail through the woods and back down to the visitors' center. They had said to be ready for lots of walking, and indeed we battled spaghetti legs at a few points. But most of the steps went unnoticed, because we couldn't draw our attention away from all there was to see. No photos were allowed inside the house, but believe me, it was intriguing to think of how Jefferson lived and get just a glimpse into the mind of an amazing man. Who knows if he truly grasped what his courage and ingenuity would mean for millions of people centuries down the road.

It was quite the privilege to go.