Appomattox Court House in Virginia was where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at the McLean House on April 9, 1865. Walking around the Appomattox Court House town opened my eyes to the simplicity of the 1800s. Lucy and I both felt the weight of Lee's surrender and how one decision changed the course of history. We got chills!
McLean House (where Lee surrendered to Grant):
After Appomattox, we headed to Charlottesville to tour the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. It was definitely a flashback to last year when I visited UVA with friends while interning in D.C. I'm beginning to fall in love with Charlottesville!
Thomas Jefferson completed his "Academical Village" in 1826. Different from most colleges, UVA was built around the Rotunda which housed a collection of books (the library). The norm for other colleges of that time period was to construct their school around a church as the focal point. Jefferson based the university on "the illimitable freedom of the human mind", so the library at the center was fitting.
The Rotunda at the University of Virginia:
Continuing our day of learning about all things Jefferson, we left UVA for a tour of the founding father's architectural wonder that is Monticello. An "amateur architect", as Jefferson is often referred, is definitely an understatement. Every detail of Monticello was designed for a specific purpose. Why have to use two hands to close two doors when you can use one? The doors were designed in such a way that one hand would suffice. The other hand could carry Jefferson's books (most likely in a different language - he was fluent in 7!). A man of many trades, I'm amazed how Jefferson placed time with family as a priority. When did the man sleep?
Monticello:
A special gift of Saturday was getting to witness a Monticello tour guide thank his tour trainer on her last day of work. Hester, about 66, has worked at Monticello for 14 years. She trained Patrick five years ago. I overheard Patrick thanking Hester for mentoring him throughout his job at Monticello. Before tearing up too much, I chatted with them and asked if they wanted a picture to commemorate Hester's last day. They agreed!
Patrick & Hester (tour guides of Monticello):
Thomas Jefferson wanted to be remembered for 3 things: 1) the author of the Declaration of Independence, 2) the author of Virginia's statute for religious freedom and 3) the father of the University of Virginia.
Thomas Jefferson's Grave:
Sadly, we said our goodbyes to Charlottesville this morning. We've loved every minute of our Virginia visit!
Off to Maryland!
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