Monticello
This is about the Jefferson residence. For other uses, see Monticello (disambiguation).Monticello is the estate of Thomas Jefferson located near Charlottesville, Virginia. The manor house, of Jefferson's own design, is situated on a hill in the Southwest Mountains south of the Rivanna Gap. Work began on Monticello in 1768, and it was occupied in 1770. The original style was based on the classical style of Palladio with which Jefferson became familiar during his studies at The College of William and Mary. Following extended travels in Europe representing the new Republic of the former British American colonies, Jefferson expanded his vision for Monticello to incorporate features of buildings and ruins he admired in his travels. The building of Monticello is considered to have been substantially completed in 1809 with the erection of the dome.
An image of Monticello is featured on the reverse of the 5 cent coin of the United States of America, and on the version of the back side of the two dollar bill that was printed from 1928 to 1966.
Monticello is the only home in the United States of America which has been designated a World Heritage site. This designation also includes the original grounds of the nearby University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson. Jefferson also had a home near Lynchburg, Virginia called Poplar Forest, and designed Virginia's capitol building in Richmond.
The floor of the entry room of Monticello is painted green since Jefferson wanted it to feel as if he were still in the outdoors when he walked inside the door.