History is as giant here as the Central Region itself.
Thomas Jefferson, former president of our country and author of the Declaration of Independence, certainly is one of the historical focal points. His primary mountain-top home, Monticello, can be found in Charlottesville, as well as the University of Virginia which was also inspired by his architectural vision. Jefferson's retreat home, Poplar Forest, is located in Forest, close to Lynchburg. For over 200 years, the City of Richmond has been the capitol city of Virginia and of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the plantations along the James River, and many historic buildings and museums located in Richmond and nearby Petersburg.