Independence Day
Hi All!
The weekend is finally upon us, and we’ve even got a brief reprieve from the heat! Who could ask for more?!
For those of you who have had the opportunity to check out the website, you may recall my picture next to a bronze sculpture of Thomas Jefferson on the author’s page. That picture was taken last summer at Monticello, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Earlier this week, we visited Poplar Forest, in Forest, VA, about halfway between Roanoke and Charlottesville. Poplar Forest was Jefferson’s retreat house, a working plantation designed by Jefferson himself, and constructed on 4,000 acres of land he had inherited from his father in law. The home was passed down over the years, but was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Much of the home has been restored and furnished to resemble Jefferson’s original design, and there is ongoing archaeological research being conducted on the outbuildings and surrounding property. While not as well-known as Monticello, it was every bit as interesting!
In an era where many politicians are unable to see past their own self-interests, it is comforting to be reminded of the brilliance and integrity of our founding fathers. In addition to being the third president and author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was an architect, educator, author, and inventor who was not afraid to get his hands dirty. When the builder he contracted to build Poplar Forest grew intimidated by the complex design, Jefferson packed his clothes and made the two day trip to assist in laying the foundation himself.
https://www.poplarforest.org/
I hope each of you had an enjoyable holiday as well! Please share with us how you spent your Fourth of July!
Until next time…
The weekend is finally upon us, and we’ve even got a brief reprieve from the heat! Who could ask for more?!
For those of you who have had the opportunity to check out the website, you may recall my picture next to a bronze sculpture of Thomas Jefferson on the author’s page. That picture was taken last summer at Monticello, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Earlier this week, we visited Poplar Forest, in Forest, VA, about halfway between Roanoke and Charlottesville. Poplar Forest was Jefferson’s retreat house, a working plantation designed by Jefferson himself, and constructed on 4,000 acres of land he had inherited from his father in law. The home was passed down over the years, but was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Much of the home has been restored and furnished to resemble Jefferson’s original design, and there is ongoing archaeological research being conducted on the outbuildings and surrounding property. While not as well-known as Monticello, it was every bit as interesting!
In an era where many politicians are unable to see past their own self-interests, it is comforting to be reminded of the brilliance and integrity of our founding fathers. In addition to being the third president and author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was an architect, educator, author, and inventor who was not afraid to get his hands dirty. When the builder he contracted to build Poplar Forest grew intimidated by the complex design, Jefferson packed his clothes and made the two day trip to assist in laying the foundation himself.
https://www.poplarforest.org/
I hope each of you had an enjoyable holiday as well! Please share with us how you spent your Fourth of July!
Until next time…
No comments have been added yet.
