Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-12-08
YIRGNIA,s UNIVERSITY
Places of Interest Which Surround tn
Famous Institution.

Famous Institution.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, Dec. t.
Near the junction of two important rail-
roads in Albenarle county, Virginia, is
situated the University of Virginia,
which was founded and literally patron
lied BY Thomas Jefferson in the early
part OF the present century. Its location
is one of the most beautiful and conven-
lent that could possibly have been select
ed. Built as il is of substantial material,
on an elevated section overlooking the
quaint and quiet city Of Charlottes-
Vile. its commanding position and
imposing appearance is at once
calculated TO inspire the visitor
with a resistless consciousness OF Its
importance and pre-eminence among the
institutions of learning in the south. The
incline from the railroad station is grad
ual. and the aItractiveness of the grounds
on either side distracts ones attention
most agreeably until the main buildings
are reached. when very naturally you
ascend the long and broad flight Of steps
70 the rotunda porch.
sUBLDELY BEAUTIFUL.
The view from this point is too sublime
" beautiful 70 be described in words.
Looking TO the south one is charmed with
the peculiar beauty OF the spacious lawn.
extending several hundred yards and
nearly as wide as long, covered
with thick green grass. On each side
are the residences OF the professors
and the dormitories occupied by the stu
dents. The stately white columns sup
porting the roofs, which extend over the
brick walls, and the symmetrically shaped
trees laden with richly-colOred leaves of
almost every hue, tend to augment the
pleasing effect OF the scene, while as far
southwark as the eye can reach is an ir-
regular country, dotted with the comfort
able homes of distinguished Virginia
families, till at length the horizon is drawn
on the mountains beyond. To the east Is
Monticello, the home OF Jefferson, just
three miles away, situated on quite an
elevated mountain.
THE OBSERVATORY.
A mile TO the west is Observatory noun
tain, on which is now in operation one of
the largest and most magnificent tele-
scopes in existence. For miles in this di-
rection may be seen a fine farming cOun-
try, cultivated and improved 10 a con-
siderable degree, while beyond this are
the Blue Ridge mountains. Having ad-
mired this panorama we now enter the
main building and stroll with feelings II
mingled awe and delight around in the
spacious halls where so many men OF the
present generation have obtained more or
less OF the education which has enabled
them to attain and hold prominent places
In the history OF our country.
NUMEROUS PLACES OF INTEREST.
The places Of interest within the Uni
tergity grounds are numerous and at
tractiYs. A stately and handsome chapel
is now being built In a central portion of
the park northwest of the rotunda. while
20 the northeast is tue new Brooks Mu-
scum, a fine modern structure, which
adds greatly 10 the already pretty view
in that direction. Near the western
limits OF the grounds stands the former
home Of President Monroe, now occupied
by one OF the professors. Altogether this
- an extremely pleasant place 10 visit,
and numbers OF persons daily stop of on
the railroads 10 spend a short time at this
cherished institution OF the Old Do
minion.