About Charlottesville
Information About Charlottesville
About Charlottesville
Charlottesville - home to the University of
Virginia, the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson, and a true representative
of the heartland of historic Virginia. Located in central Virginia in
the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville has a
population of 42,000 in a rural/metropolitan area of about 88,400.
Washington, D.C. is less than two hours away, but there are many things
to see and do here in town.
Jefferson's Academical Village - the University of Virginia is famed
for the beauty of its buildings. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, they are
considered among the finest examples of classic American architecture.
The University is also noted for its scholarly achievements and
historical associations. It began with Jefferson's concept and design
for a community of schol¬ars, and "academical village." The Rotunda,
modeled after the Roman Pantheon, served as focal point, library and
classroom. Two ranges extended from the Rotunda. Professors lived and
taught in the large Pavilions, and students lived in the smaller rooms
in between. This tradition is carried on today and the Department of
Neurological Surgery holds its teaching confer¬ences in Pavilion V
regularly.
University of Virginia Health System - can trace its beginnings directly to Thomas Jefferson, under whose leadership as Rector, eight schools including a School of Anatomy and Medicine opened on March 7, 1825. Jefferson chose the school's original faculty, a single professor, Robley Dunglison, whose first class of 20 students met in his home on the Grounds. Walter Reed is among the alumni of the Medical School. The teaching hospital, which opened in 1901 as a 25-bed facility, is today housed in a new eight-story building with 597 beds and 30 bassinets. It has nearly 100 intensive care beds. A recent report by U.S. News and World Report listed the Neurosciences clinical program at UVA as among the best in the nation.
Monticello
- Thomas Jefferson began construction on this architectural masterpiece
in 1769 and continued for more than 40 years. He also designed the
grounds of his "little mountain home." The roundabout walks, oval
flower beds, vegetable gar¬dens, vineyards, grove, and graveyard have
been fully restored. (434) 984-9800 Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Fee)
Michie Tavern
Museum - This famous tavern of the 1700's still serves meals in the
"Ordinary," a converted log cabin used 200 years ago. Guests enjoy food
of the colonial times and can tour the Tavern, outbuildings, general
store, and Meadow Run Grist Mill. The general store sells handcrafts
and antiques of Virginia. (434) 977-1234 Open year-round. (Fee)
Ash Lawn - Home of President James Monroe, Ash Lawn
is a 550-acre historic estate & has been almost fully restored as a
working plantation. Special events at Ash Lawn include operas,
concerts, & festivals. (434) 293-9539 Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Fee)
Wineries - There are many local wineries that offer tours, wine
tastings and sales. Ask us for further information.
Skyline Drive / Blue Ridge Parkway - Enjoy the beauty of the Blue
Ridge Mountains, scenic overlooks, exhibits, & hiking trails.
Located 25 miles west of Charlottesville with easy access via I-64.
