Okay, I'm back. Exhausted, but back. Thanks to everyone who posted here. And, yes, I saved all the receipts.
It was just wonderful. Gorgeous views. Brilliant architecture. I am inspired beyond my expectations. I'm also in love with Albemarle County, VA, in general.
The research went really well, and I learned a few things I didn't know, but to see the places with my own eyes, that was the trick. It solidified so much of my research.
We didn't spent very much time at the UVA. I was digging Monticello too much to want to leave.
Tish, not to be a spoil sport, but Jefferson hated William and Mary, and Williamsburg, in general. We visited there last year, and that's what planted the seeds for my WIP. He felt the education was sub par (but I'm sure they've got some new teachers there since he went there), and that the architecture in Williamsburg was dreadful (I loved Williamsburg for the record). He moved the capitol to Richmond first chance he got.
Debraji, Most of the craft work, masonry and carpentry at Monticello was done by professional carpenters and masons. They do, however, mention the role of the slaves far more prominantly then they did when I was there at the age of seven. The plantation tour delves more deeply into the lives of the slaves there. Jefferson was actually philosophically against slavery, and he lead three or four initiatives toward the abolition of slavery in Virginia and the U.S.. In fact, the part of the Declaration of Independence, about the crime of the King forcing slavery on the America's was removed by committee. Jefferson's other attempts to end slavery all failed, and threatened his political capitol. At last, he realized that slavery would not end in his life time, and he concentrated his efforts making sure his slaves were well treated. Jefferson's relation to slavery, hating it, yet completely economically dependent on it, was certainly the cause for considerable internal debate for him.
At the Monticello Visitors Center I saw something that actually moved me to tears. As Jefferson's wife, Martha (Patty) was dying from complications of childbirth, Thomas never left her side. Right before the end, she took a piece of paper and wrote a line about death from their favorite novel, Tristan Shandy. She didn't have energy to finish it. Jefferson finished writing the line for her as she died. They actually have the paper, in both Patty and Tom's handwriting. That got me.
Sadly, we left Charlottesville (where I would move in a minute if I could) and headed to D.C., which I had never had the pleasure of visiting. It really is a beautiful city. The traffic wan't even that bad.
Anyway, I've got many, many fresh ideas. It was a great research trip.
