Monticello
"I am as happy nowhere else and in no other society, and all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello," wrote Thomas Jefferson the great architect of his home, Monticello. His home of 54 years was named Monticello which means "little mountain" in Italian. Many still question the reasoning for the name "Monticello." The only reasoning that was come up with was that Jefferson wanted to build his home on his mountain located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia near Charlottesville. He wanted a place that was private and away from civilization and the commotion of politics.
Thomas Jefferson became his own master builder on this land that he inherited from his father, Peter Jefferson. When his father died he left five thousand acres and more than twenty slaves to Thomas and his younger brother Randolph. The land would include the little 867 foot wooded mountain that would one day be called "Monticello." In 1767 Jefferson did the unheard thing to do in colonial America, he decided to build his dream home on the mountaintop. There were no highways or rivers on the land he built his home and people thought he was crazy and unpractical for doing this.
Architecture, as a profession, did not exist in colonial America. Only the wealthy men of the South were to have some knowledge of architectural styles. Finally gentlemen farmers and merchants were able to create plans and pictures of their dream houses by combining their skills. They were then able to become what was known as amateur architects.
Jefferson started his construction of Monticello by leveling his mountaintop and setting down on paper sketchy visions of the house. He then prepared the mechanical working drawings, which he taught himself to do. The materials needed to construct Monticello were found in the area. He used his own trees for timber and took stone blocks for the foundation out of his mountain. The bricks were even fired in Monticello's own mountaintop kiln. He studied
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the crafts of stonecutting, brick making and carpentry to carry out the work of construction. The only things he had to get elsewhere were the intricate fittings like brass locks and doorknobs or glass.
Slowly but surely Jefferson finished a small brick building, which was the south pavilion, in 1770. Later the north pavilion was finished and served as a study for his son-in-law.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thomas jefferson wanted to build his home on his mountain in the blue ridge mountains of virginia near charlottesville.
- Explains that thomas jefferson became his own master builder on the land that he inherited from his father, peter jefferson, and left five thousand acres and more than twenty slaves to thomas and his younger brother randolph.
- Explains that architecture, as a profession, did not exist in colonial america. only the wealthy men of the south were to have some knowledge of architectural styles.
- Explains how jefferson started his construction of monticello by leveling his mountaintop and setting down sketchy visions of the house. he used his own trees for timber and stone blocks for the foundation.
- Describes the key elements of the book, and explains how it was written.
- Explains that stonecutting, brick making, and carpentry were the only things he had to get elsewhere.
- Explains that jefferson finished the south pavilion in 1770, and the north pavilion served as a study for his son-in-law. these terraces were to be roofed over and hide the service areas from the main house.
- Explains that jefferson's two-story home was inspired by the works of andrea palladio, a 16th-century italian architect who studied ancient rome.
- Describes the main components of the book, and explains the importance of this book.
- Explains that jefferson had seen many sights in europe that made him question the appearance of monticello. country homes in america did not have multiple stories but city houses did.
- Explains how jefferson wanted monticello to be larger and more aesthetically pleasing. he wanted to combine ancient classical buildings with modern architecture, such as the maison carree, hotel de salm, and roman pantheon.
- Explains that jefferson had many inventions displayed around monticello, such as an hour clock.
- Explains how the weights were actually revolutionary war cannon balls and controlled the gong on the seven-day calendar.
- Explains that jefferson had a rotating pantry door that had shelves built on it to hold dishes, and dumbwaiters that were built into the sides of the fireplace.
- Explains that thomas jefferson was known as the 'father of american architecture' because of his ingenious ideas for new buildings. he had wished that he would die in monticello and his wish was answered.
Related
- analytical
- opinion
- narrative
- explanatory
- Jeffersons Jefferson: The Life Of Thomas Jeffersonanalytical essayThe story of Thomas Jefferson begins on April 13, 1743. This is the day that Jane Jefferson, Thomas’s mother, gave birth to him. His dad was Peter Jefferson. Thomas gets his personality from his father. Thomas was born in Shadwell, Virginia. He was born into wealth but his parents still made him learn to do things on his own. He was first sent off to school when he was only five years old. Back in his time going to school at that age was not very common. He then became a boarding student under Reverend Mr. Maury. He stayed in that school until he enrolled into the College of William and Mary at seventeen.(According to ushistory.org)
In this essay, the author
- Opines that thomas jefferson's life is not boring. he accomplished things that some people can only dream of, and he wrote one of the most important documents in history.
- Explains that thomas jefferson's story begins on april 13, 1743, the day jane jefferson, his mother, gave birth to him. he was born into wealth but his parents made him learn to do things on his own.
- Narrates how jefferson studied under many professors, including george wythe, and witnessed patrick henry's speech against the stamp act at the house of burgesses.
- Explains that jefferson was elected to the house of burgesses in 1767, and became a delegate in the continental congress. the declaration of independence was adopted on july 4, 1776.
- Analyzes how jefferson's life took a turn for the worst after returning home and his wife and two of his children became ill. he became governor of virginia after his role model, patrick henry.
- Explains that thomas jefferson became the third president of the united states of america in 1800. he was a democrat and gave his personal library to congress after the congressional library burned down in 1814.
- Explains that thomas jefferson invented the spherical sundial, a resistance plow, the great clock, and many things in the field of law.
- Explains that chinard was a french ambassador to france and was loved by all of france. he wrote the most important document in america's history.
- Explains that he became friends with some of the most famous people ever including john adams, george washington, patrick henry, and his closest friend, james madison. they all thought about others before themselves.
- Explains that thomas jefferson retired to his home in virginia after his term was up. he ran the plantation and started building some of his inventions.
- Explains that thomas was one of the greatest minds in history. he read one book every day of his life, owned his own library and donated it to congress.
- Analyzes how thomas jefferson's death ended the life of a great and smart man. he died the same day as john adams on july 4, 1826.
- Opines that thomas jefferson was the most intellectual man and one of the best presidents to ever be in office. he changed our way of life and thought.
1040 wordsRead More - Thomas Jefferson and The Declaration of Independenceopinion essayThomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 at Shadwell, Virginia. His mother was Jane Randolph Jefferson; his father was a landowner name Peter Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson attended College (1760-62) of William and Mary. In 1769 he began six years of service as a representative in the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1770 he begun building Monticello on the land he inherited from his father. It took years to build it, but according to an Internet article Brief…Jefferson, when he married Martha Wayles Skelton on January 1, 1772 part of the Monticello mansion was ready to be lived in. Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson produced six children, but only two survived to adulthood and four were deceased during their childhood. (Brief…Jefferson, 2005). In 1776 he was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence, “which has been regarded ever since as a charter of American and universal liberties” (Brief…Jefferson, 2005). The same year he also left Congress, he returned to Virginia and served in the legislature, and was elected governor from 1779-81. In 1874, in France he entered public service again, “first as trade commissioner an then as Benjamin Franklin’s successor as minister” (Brief…Jefferson, 2005). According to Brief…Biography article, in 1790 Jefferson accepted the post of secretary of state under his friend George Washington. In 1794, he defeated Adams for president of the United States, and the first notable achievements of his term as president were the purchased of Louisiana Purchased Territory in 1803 and of course his support of the Le...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thomas jefferson was a jurist, diplomat, writer, inventor, philosopher, architect, gardener, negotiator of louisiana purchase, but only requested three of his many accomplishments to be noted on his tomb.
- Explains that thomas jefferson was born on april 13, 1743 at shadwell, virginia. his mother was jane randolph jefferson; his father was a landowner named peter jefferson.
- Explains that jefferson's friend james madison succeeded him as president in 1809 and stayed at his mansion, monticello. just hours before his close friend adam was to sign the fiftieth anniversary of the declaration of independence, thomas jefferson died on july 4, 1826.
- Explains that jefferson was chosen to draft the declaration of independence, since he was a member of continental congress. the declaration personified many of the ideas that separated the colonies from england.
- Analyzes how jefferson and the other writers of the declaration of independence started talking about human events, political bands, and power.
- Opines that jefferson's freedom of religion was the center idea that made the foundation of republican society work, by means of separation of church and state.
- Opines that they admire jefferson, him, and benjamin franklin because they think alike. jefferson was direct to his audience and everyone who had to read his works was carefully read and understood.
- Explains that jefferson wrote that all people were created equal, and this was a great democracy that he foresees in his time. this document encouraged the american revolution since it rebelled against the cruel treatment that many colonists experienced due to the impulsive behavior of the english monarchy.
- Opines that jefferson's disapproval of king george was a bit too much to be debated by the new congress.
- Analyzes how the idea of men being created equal is the major focus of this document, and thus separated england from america during jefferson's time.
- Cites bellis, mary, "thomas jefferson-his life as an inventor." about.com.
1438 wordsRead More - Lasting African Conributions to American Societynarrative essayThomas Jefferson was a slave owner at his Monticello property. At that time, about 20% of the new United States were African slaves. Even though he owned approximately 600 slaves, he was a consistent opponent against slavery. Jefferson’s slaves worked in the fields, in the home and as skilled craftsman. They worked 6 days a week with Sundays off and several holidays off. According to the Enslaved Families of Monticello page, there were at least 6 families that had at least three generations of families enslaved at Monticello. These families were the Hemings, the Gillettes, the Herns, the Fossetts, the Grangers and the Hubbards. These families all possessed different skills like head cook, blacksmith, and other skills that were necessary in making Monticello a successful Virginian plantation (Enslaved Families of Monticello, n.d.).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that african americans were seen as inferior because of the master/slave relationship. they had to fight for their civil rights.
- Opines that the civil rights movement of 1955-1968 is the most noteworthy event in u.s. history.
- Cites the smithsonian national museum of african american history and culture's enslaved families of monticello.
- Describes new world encyclopedia (2009) african-american civil rights movement (1955-1968).
- Cites parrillo, v., allyn & bacon, strangers to these shores: race and ethnic relations in the united states.
- Explains that the southern united states was built using african slave labor, and that thomas jefferson was a slave owner at his monticello property. the supreme court's decision helped accelerate the civil war.
893 wordsRead More - James Madison And Thomas Jeffersonanalytical essayThomas Jefferson made his inaugural address on March 4, 1801. This speech outlined all of his beliefs, which differed from any prior President. He talked about his thoughts on the power of state government, the freedom of religion and the press, majority rule but the protection of minorities, low government budgets, and the want to reduce federal debt. He also said that he wanted to be trade partners with France and to have amity with them, but under no circumstances did he want to have a formal alliance with any foreign nation. Once Jefferson had become President, he moved into the White House. He was the first President to stay in the White House for each of his terms. The White House was not luxurious, but more of a "village". This is how Jefferson wanted it. Cows grazed in the lawns, hogs ran through the city streets, and the house itself was always littered with "heaps of rubbish". It stayed this way because the federal government was small and he saw no need to make it grow. It was small because they had little to nothing to do, in light of the fact that the state and local government took primary responsibility for maintaining roads and bridges, supervising the local militias, and providing welfare relief for schools.
In this essay, the author
- Explains how the presidents jefferson and madison showed their views of being loose constructionists of the constitution by their actions in office. the federalist party gradually diminished as the republican party became the overwhelming majority.
- Analyzes how jefferson's inaugural address outlined all of his beliefs, which differed from any prior president. the white house was not luxurious, but more of a "village".
- Explains that when jefferson took office, only six republicans had been appointed for over six hundred official positions, so he replaced over half of them with republicans. he cut the federal budget in half, and repealed all excise taxes.
- Explains jefferson's sour attitude toward the supreme court was due to his antagonism of chief justice john marshal, who was also a federalist.
- Explains that the president was a great supporter of westward expansion, and the louisiana purchase was also important for the republican party.
- Explains that jefferson believed the louisiana purchase would extend the life of the republic. federalists from new england feared the purchase, which ended the friction over the mississippi river and new orleans.
- Analyzes how jefferson's popularity was so great that he could have taken a third term, and his recommendation for president was james madison.
- Explains that jefferson and madison had adjusted their ideals to meet the practical needs expanding and bettering the nation. only one minor change was made when madison took office.
- Explains that fletcher v. peck was the first time the u.s. supreme court declared a state law unconstitutional, establishing the superiority of the constitution and federal laws over state governments and laws.
- Explains how the war of 1812 played a key role in unifying the new nation and ensuring the economic survival of the nation.
- Explains that madison and jefferson's hard work changed the united states from a federalist society to an republican society. they created the first steps of interpreting the constitution loosely.
1435 wordsRead More - Analysis Of American Sphinx By Joseph J. Ellisanalytical essayFirst is Jefferson’s introduction to the National scene between 1775-1776. Afterward, he served on a diplomatic mission to Paris (1784-1789), and it was during his stay with the French that he bore witness to the beginning of the French Revolution. Subsequently, between 1794 and 1797, the man resided in Monticello in semi-retirement before finally serving as the President of the United States between 1801 and 1805. Eventually, Ellis covers the last ten years of Jefferson 's life; thus completing the mentioned propitious
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how joseph j. ellis' american sphinx is a worthy read based on the enigma of thomas jefferson.
- Argues that thomas jefferson no longer deserves the good repute with which the united states and anyone who bothers to learn the history of the country associates him.
- Analyzes how joseph ellis' thesis revolves around all the fuss over the man's birthday that led him to question why, of all american historical figures, jefferson could generate so much "contemporary interest."
- Analyzes how american sphinx examines the five periods or ellis he calls them the "propitious moments" in jefferson's life.
- Analyzes ellis' interpretations of jefferson's decisions and their connection to modern politics.
- Analyzes how ellis' account of how jefferson's mind worked is perhaps the most captivating ideas has in the book.
- Concludes that thomas jefferson was a man who hid his real character from himself and those around him and disapproved political parties. ellis' american sphinx portrays jefferson's inability to honor his position on men created equal.
1477 wordsRead More - Conversation With Coolidge's Speechexplanatory essayHe was familiar with his father’s moods and demands but became a very important worker on the mountain. He would never chew anyone out and they could laugh with him and have a good time on the job. He was well liked and, therefore, the men would work hard for him. It was the best time for Lincoln to join the team since Jefferson proved to be the biggest challenge of them all. During this time, there was a local feeling among the people in South Dakota that Borglum wasted time and money on the monument by the destruction of the first Jefferson face and the changing of the inscription site. The workers found the stone at the original site in Jefferson’s face to be too week, so they moved Jefferson’s head from the right side of Washington’s head to the left side. The nose on Jefferson was 20 feet long, his eyes are 11 feet wide, and his mouth is 18 feet wide. Thomas Jefferson’s head was not dedicated until August 30, 1936, in a ceremony attended by President Franklin D.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that recruiting men for the monument was difficult due to the experience required for this type of work. many men worked only one day because of their fear of heights.
- Describes how the explosives blast away granite, leaving behind a solid oval rock, which became the face of the first president.
- Narrates how borglum and norbeck struggled to get donations to fund the other half of the project.
- Explains that lincoln borglum, the 21-year-old son of gutzon, joined the project in 1932. he was well liked and worked hard for his father.
1480 wordsRead More - Thomas Jefferson's Impact On Americaanalytical essayAnother great help Jefferson gave to America is the Louisiana purchase. This purchase doubled America’s size at the time and is the most fertile land on Earth, which eradicated America’s reliance on other countries’ food. Deciding that we needed to learn about as much of the land as quickly as possible, it was also Jefferson, who appointed Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead an expedition known as the Corps of Discovery to explore this newly acquired
In this essay, the author
- Opines that thomas jefferson is one of the most influential americans our country has ever seen. he has played a paramount role in shaping america, even more so than harriet tubman or karl marx.
- Explains that thomas jefferson, of the american constitution, wrote that all men are created equal; they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.
- Analyzes jefferson's flaws, such as the fact that he had slaves. while many people try to discredit or disparage his prodigious achievements, jefferson was neither of these things.
- Analyzes how jefferson's epitaph says that his greatest accomplishments are his authorship of the declaration of independence, the statute of virginia that guaranteed religious freedom, and his founding the university of
- Explains how jefferson influenced america through the barbary wars. the pirates demanded a hefty tribute to pay for free passage, and jefferson began an american navy to defeat them.
- Explains how jefferson gave america the louisiana purchase, which doubled america's size at the time and is the most fertile land on earth. jefferson appointed lewis and clark to lead an expedition to explore this newly acquired territory.
- Explains how jefferson invented the iron plow, the polygraph, and the wheel cipher. the dumbwaiter is another invention conjured up from his great mind.
- Explains that thomas jefferson is one of america's utmost historic and influential leaders. he helped defeat the barbary pirates, made the louisiana purchase, and inventor.
742 wordsRead More - Thomas Jefferson Outlineanalytical essayThomas was raised in one of the greatest conspicuous families of Virginia’s planter elite .His mother known as Jane Randolph Jefferson was associated to proud Randolph fraternity, a family appealing background from Scottish and English royalty. His father, Peter Jefferson engaged in farming which he was observed to be successful an expert surveyor and Cartography who provided the major precise map for the province of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson was the third child amongst ten
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how jefferson passed on during the 50th anniversary of the declaration of independence and john adams spoke "thomas jefferson survives." jefferson was buried within his family cemetery at monticello.
- Explains that thomas jefferson was a thoughtful man, fluent in five languages and able to read another two. he was recognized to almost all individuals in america as well as in europe.
- Describes how thomas jefferson was raised in one of the greatest conspicuous families of virginia’s planter elite.
- Explains that jefferson's professional lifetime was an extreme transformation in great britain’s american colonies. he was voted in the virginia house of burgesses around 1768 thus joining its radical alliance.
- Analyzes how jefferson wrote the declaration of independence, which was approved on july 4, 1776. he amended virginia's laws to suit the american standards he had drawn.
- Analyzes how jefferson's two years' service demonstrated the low point in his political profession. he was for the belief that black race were naturally lesser both mentally as well as physically.
- Explains how jefferson was prompted back to public life through private misfortune after the demise of martha jefferson in 1782. while in europe, he rekindled his companionship with john adams and his wife abigail.
- Explains that the republicans opted for thomas jefferson as their candidate to thrive after washington presidency. the prolonged relationship between jefferson and adams was calmed due to differences in political views.
- Analyzes how jefferson addressed fundamental commonalities in 1801, bringing together all americans in regard of their classes. thomas stripped the presidency of european royalty, decreased the number of the armed forces, and government bureaucracy.
- Analyzes how jefferson rekindled interesting correspondences including philosophy, politics, and literature in collaboration with john adams that stands out as an extraordinary influence on exchange
2353 wordsRead More - John Dickinson, Penman of the Revolutionexplanatory essayThe John Dickinson House, also called Poplar Hall, is open for the public to view at the John Dickinson Plantation located Kitts Hummock Road. In 1739, Samuel Dickinson started constructing the mansion that his son, John Dickinson, would spend most of his childhood. The mansion was just one of the many buildings that were located on the plantations. These plantations were large, agricultural money-makers run by slaves. Their major production was tobacco, wheat, and corn. Many people forget about Dickinson, underestimating how important his impact was to American history. Many scholars do not rank Dickinson with the principal Founders because he refused to sign the Declaration of Independence, which severely damaged his reputation forever. This plantation is important because it is the home of John Dickinson. This is the home that gave America John Dickerson, a vital part of our history as a politician, as a writer, and as a social influence.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the john dickinson house, also called poplar hall, is open for the public to view. the plantations were large, agricultural money-makers run by slaves.
- Explains that dickinson was a major influence on the events that resulted in the origin of the united states.
- Describes john dickinson as the "penman of the revolution." he drafted the declaration of rights, petition to the king, and the causes and necessity of taking up arms.
- Explains that dickinson was an advocate for colonial unity and opposed war and violence. he refused to sign the declaration of independence and drafted the articles of confederation.
- Opines that john dickinson was cautious and conservative, but he eluded confrontation and avoided violence, resulting in the conservative label that is usually attached to his name.
874 wordsRead More - Thomas Jefferson: More than a Presidentanalytical essayThomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 to Peter and Jane Jefferson who lived near the Blue Ridge Mountains in colonial America. He was the eldest of two sons and six daughters. His father was a surveyor with little formal education and owned property including 60 slaves. Jane, his mother, was from a very distinguished family. His father died when Jefferson was fourteen, and he left to learn Latin and Greek with a nearby teacher. In 1760, he started school at the College of William and Mary where he kept a rigorous academic schedule including: fifteen hours of studying primarily law, three hours of practicing violin, and six hours of sleeping and eating (“Jefferson” 323). Through this education, “He was laying a foundation for his future career as an...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
- Explains that thomas jefferson was born on april 13, 1743 to peter and jane jefferson who lived near the blue ridge mountains in colonial america. his father was a surveyor with little formal education and owned property including 60 slaves.
- Narrates how jefferson met rebecca burwell at college and became engaged to her friend, jacquelin ambler, who asked him to serve as best man at the wedding. the house was built on a hill, an uncanny idea in those days.
- Narrates how thomas jefferson married martha skelton in 1772. she was a young widow who owned as much property as he did.
- Explains thomas jefferson's involvement in politics, which began in 1768 when he ran for a position in the house of burgess of virginia in colonial government.
- Analyzes how jefferson appeared in national politics when he was chosen as president george washington’s secretary of state in 1789.
- Analyzes how jefferson loved knowledge and education. he founded the university of virginia when he left the political scene. his inventions include a macaroni machine, plow, dumb waiter, and revolving door.
- Opines that jefferson was a hypocrite, racist, and political extremist. he was an original advocate of religious freedom and separation of church and state.
- Explains that thomas jefferson died on july 4, 1826, fifty years after the declaration of independence was signed.
- Describes the works of andrew m. allison, thomas jefferson, and mary bellis.
- Cites harris, erin, "on this day: john adams and thomas jefferson die." finding dulcinea.
- Explains that peterson, merrill d., ed. thomas jefferson: writings. new york: literary classics of the united states, 1984.
1597 wordsRead More