The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1910-04-09


father the tract comprising 1900 acres
At that time 1.-The best highlands of Albemarle"
were rated as worth not more than 81 per acre.
but the earning capacity of the property Is ind
Gated by the fact that from the outset it netted
Jefferson not less than 81 600 year. The found
Of the Democratic party gradually increased
his holdings and in the year 1774 possessed
more than 5000 acres. Then several fine farms
came to him as his wife's dover and thus the
period Of the Revolution found him of the
richest landed propretors in the south.
Jefferson chose as the site of his home the
crest of hill which he designated Monticello.
the Italian for Little Mountain Assuredy
more beautiful or inspiring location could be
imagined and veteran travellers all agree that the
magnificent panorama which lies spread out be-
fore the gaze of the observer on this height is
unsurpassed anywhere In the world The little
mountain On the apex Of which Jefferson placed
his residence is $50 feet high and in the form
of a cone. 1t slopes eastward one and one-haf
miles to the Rivanna river.
Jefferson's birthplace is in sight of the por-
tico at Monticello. Seemingly almost directly
below Is the University of Virginia. which was
founded by Jefferson President Monroe lived
eight miles down the valley and the home of
President Madison was but few miles north
incidentally 1t may be mentioned In passing that
these three ex-presidents Of the United States
assembled at Monticello to welcome Lafayette on
the occasion Of his visit to the United States
From the cupola of his mansion Jefferson could
gaze upon IL Of the richest counties Of Virginia
and in direction the view extends to the
Blue Ridge mountains. nearly so miles away.
The top of the hill which Jefferson had desig
mated Monticello he had leveled OF for build
ing site. 500 by 200 feet in size. On this he
erected his spacious mansion. which. with its
wings or colonnades. is in the form of a gigantic
letter E. The center of the letter is the man.
sion proper. while extending from 1t in positions
somewhat corresponding to the arms Of the e
are wings. the nat roofs of which form prone
nades. The arrangement of the house in far
as these wings or colonnades concerned is
very similar to that of the restored White House
son had a hand.
The mansion at Monticello is Of the Doric or
der of Grecian architecture. with heavy cornces
and massive balustrades. The interior is In the
Ionic style and 1t must be admitted that there
is little about this magnificent home suggestive
Of Jenersonian simplicity. The front hall re-
cedes six feet within the wall Of the building
and a portico projects about 25 feet. with stone
pillars and steps
In the interior the hall or main room Of the
house extends to the full height Of the building
and is typical u the spaciousness Of the house
There IL gallery under the ceiling where the
ladies of the household could observe all that
went on at the receptions which Jefferson fire.
Quently gave and where the band was stationed
when he gave a ball Opening from this hall are
the salon drawing room. the library. where JEFF
ferson housed the major portion Of his famous
collection Of $4,000 books. the dining room and