History is for Everyone

VA, USA

University of Virginia — The Rotunda

Landmark

Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819, and the Rotunda — his architectural centerpiece — embodies his vision of education as essential to republican self-government. Jefferson modeled the Rotunda on the Pantheon and designed it to house the library (knowledge) rather than a chapel (religion), a deliberate statement about the university's secular, rationalist character. The Academical Village Jefferson designed is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Monticello. The university was conceived as the capstone of Jefferson's Revolutionary project: a free republic requires educated citizens, and educated citizens require a university free from religious orthodoxy.

Visiting Today

Address

University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Hours

Daily 9am–5pm

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