A Visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
In July of 2021, we visited Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Shane and I spent hours wandering around the house, cellars, and gardens. It was both emotional and educational to walk along Mulberry Row and its’ slave quarters, and workshops.
We were of course drawn to the Joiner’s Shop where both laborers and slaves worked side by side making what many considered the finest woodwork in Virginia, including the beds used by the Jefferson family and their slaves.
Thomas Jefferson’s Bed
Jefferson slept in an alcove between his sitting room and bedroom. While I’m not clear if the plain bed with paneled headboard cannonball posts is Jefferson’s bed, I am sure it’s historically accurate.
Primitive Beds of Monticello
In both the kitchen and slave quarters, we came across a very familiar primitive bed. Shane has made several iterations of this style of bed, including one for the Ft. Smith National Historic Site.
Families of slaves lived in small shacks with just one bed and perhaps a table and cooking stove. A plaque on the wall of the Monticello slave quarters states that poor free white families of the time lived in similar conditions.
If you have an opportunity to visit Monticello, please do! Be prepared to spend the entire day wandering around the plantation. There is much to see and learn.
Sounds like a very interesting trip.
Yes, indeed. If you are ever near Charlottesville, VA, I recommend visiting Monticello.
Fascinating and love to see the furniture styles and work.
It was a very educational experience for sure!