Jefferson's Grave
Thomas Jefferson died on July, 4,1826. Both Jefferson and his political rival, and later reconciled friend, John Adams died on the same day. It was said that Adams final words were, “still Jefferson lives”. The group of Founding Fathers were an extremely varied set of personalities. Jefferson was among the most mysterious. As with everything else at Monticello, Jefferson’s grave and Tombstone was meticulously planned by the third President.
The cemetery houses descendants of the Jefferson Family, and is actually quite large. Jefferson’s marker is in the form of an obelisk, so was James Madison’s. I found it interesting since Jefferson is often referred to as the American Sphinx. Known for his stoic demeanor, the grave is simple, but commands respect. The bars around it are substantial.
I liked this blurred effect from the fence towards Jefferson’s marker, the obelisk.
Fencing around Jefferson’s grave. Those are real iron bars. Not imitation.
James Madison’s obelisk over his grave at Montpelier. Similar use of the Egyptian obelisk.
The marker’s words were laid down by Jefferson to include the three of his accomplishments for which he was most proud. They were Author of the Declaration of Independence, The Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom, (which disestablished the Church of England) and guaranteed religious freedom to all in Virginia, and The Father of the University of Virginia.
Jefferson’s self written epitaph.
Monticello is worth a visit. It was my least favorite of the three Presidential homes I visited last year, but it is still an important part of the founder’s heritage. It is located on top of a small mountain. Monticello is from Italian, and means little mountain. You ride on a bus from the visitor center to the home on top in a bus. You can walk, but I recommend riding. I leave you with the original signed copy of the Declaration of Independence.
The original signed copy of the Declaration of Independence