| Among the best historical sites to visit in Virginia is Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, our nation’s third president. Located near the University of Virginia, this 5000 acre estate is the only historic home included on the United Nations’ World Heritage list. In addition to long-standing tours, n recently opened are second floor sleeping quarters for family members and a very unusual third-floor dome room used by a Jefferson grandson and his wife.
A new cellar area, the Crossroads, contains full-size representations of plantation workers such as Betty Brown who is believed to be the slave of longest service at Monticello. Visitors are invited to operate a dumbwaiter, invented by Jefferson to transport food from the kitchens to the dining room on the above floor. Currently being restored is Mulberry Road, where slaves lived and raised their families.
In addition to being the ‘mother of presidents’, Virginia is the ‘mother of Civil War battles’ since more battles happened here than anywhere else. Located near Washington, DC, Manassas was the site of the first Civil War conflict in 1861. Situated about 2 hours drive away, is Appomatox Court House, the scene of the official ending of the Civil War in 1865.