History is for Everyone

VA, USA

Historic Albemarle County Courthouse

Government Building

The current Albemarle County Courthouse (built 1803) stands near the site of the original colonial courthouse that served as the center of local government in Jefferson's home county throughout the Revolution. When the Virginia legislature fled from Richmond to Charlottesville in May 1781 to escape the British advance, they met near this courthouse before Tarleton's raid dispersed them. The courthouse square was the political and commercial center of Albemarle County, and its proximity to Monticello meant Jefferson was always close to both his private home and his county's public life.

Visiting Today

Address

Court Square, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Hours

Exterior always accessible

Admission

Free

Connected Events

Jan 1779
Convention Army Prisoners at Charlottesville

Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

May 1781
May 1781
Virginia Legislature Meets in Charlottesville (May 1781)

Thomas Jefferson, Banastre Tarleton, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Jun 1781
Jack Jouett's Midnight Ride

Thomas Jefferson, Banastre Tarleton, Jack Jouett, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Jun 1781
Tarleton's Raid on Charlottesville

Thomas Jefferson, Banastre Tarleton, Jack Jouett, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Jun 1781
Jefferson Flees Monticello

Thomas Jefferson, Banastre Tarleton, Jack Jouett, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Jun 1781
British Troops at Monticello

Thomas Jefferson, Banastre Tarleton, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Jun 1781
Virginia Legislature Flees to Staunton

Thomas Jefferson, Jack Jouett, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Jun 1781
Thomas Nelson Jr. Elected Governor

Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson

Aug 1818
Jefferson Proposes the University of Virginia (1818–1819)

Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson