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Jefferson and His Travels

"Travelling is good for your health and necessary for your amusement""

Thomas Jefferson, 1788

Early Travels ... In Europe ... As Secretary of State, Vice President & President ... In Retirement

Q & A: Thomas Jefferson and Travel

While Thomas Jefferson spent the majority of his life in Virginia, he traveled far more—both domestically and internationally—than the average person in early America.
In this recorded Q&A, Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, discusses his various trips, his fastidious record-keeping during travel, and what he learned from those experiences. Watch

Early Travels

Tuckahoe As a child, Jefferson and his family travelled to Tuckahoe, the plantation of his deceased cousin, William Randolph, remaining there for several years. Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article on Tuckahoe's influence on Jefferson.
Williamsburg In 1760, Jefferson enrolled at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg. He returned to Williamsburg many times over the next twenty years as a lawyer, member of Virginia's House of Burgesses and House of Delegates, and as Governor. Learn more in this Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedic article.
The Forest Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article about The Forest, the Charles City County plantation of John Wayles, where Jefferson courted and married Wayles's daughter Martha Wayles Skelton.
Staunton As a young lawyer, Jefferson made many trips to Staunton, some 40 miles from Monticello. Learn more in this article from the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia.
Philadelphia Jefferson visited Philadelphia many times over the course of his public life as a member of the Continental Congress, the Confederation Congress, Secretary of State, and Vice President.
Elkhill Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article describing Elkhill, the small plantation owned by Thomas Jefferson near Elk Island, at the mouth of Byrd Creek in Goochland County, 45 miles from Monticello.

In Europe

"Behold me at length on the vaunted scene of Europe!"

Thomas Jefferson, 1785

 

Paris As Minister to France, Jefferson made Paris his home and the base of operations for his travels in Europe. Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article about Jefferson and the City of Light.
England In this recorded livestream, Thomas Jefferson (as interpreted by Bill Barker) discusses Jefferson’s English sojourn, and what he learned along the way.
London Jefferson said of his 1786 visit to London that "both town and country fell short of my expectations" but he left behind a detailed written record of the sites he saw. Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article on Jefferson's adventures in London.
Journey Through France and Italy (1787) In 1787 Thomas Jefferson travelled as a private citizen on a three-month journey to southern France and northern Italy. Learn more in this article from the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia.
Mediterranean Journey (1787) Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article about Jefferson's enchantment by the French and Italian Rivieras and the Alps-Maritimes.
The Netherlands In this recorded livestream, Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker, talks about his tour through the Netherlands in 1788.

As Secretary of State, Vice President & President

 

New York City Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article on Jefferson's visits to, and residence in, New York City, which was once the capital of the U.S.
Philadelphia Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker, describes his time in Philadelphia as Secretary of State and Vice President in this recorded livestream.
Northern Tour of 1791 Read the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article about Thomas Jefferson and James Madison journeying to New England and upstate New York for relaxation, exploration, and (despite claiming otherwise) politicking.

In Retirement

"I leave this within a week for my occasional home at Poplar forest near Lynchburg"

Thomas Jefferson, 1819

Poplar Forest In this recorded Q&A with Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, watch a discussion about Jefferson's retirement retreat, Poplar Forest.
Peaks of Otter Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia's article about Jefferson's 1815 trip to measure the elevation of the Peaks of Otter, near Bedford, Virginia.
Warm Springs, Virginia In 1818, Jefferson travelled to Warm Springs seeking relief from rheumatism. This Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article reveals his trip did not end well.

Related Content

Available from The Shop at Monticello

Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham gives us a complete vision of Thomas Jefferson the man, from birth to his last days - through the Revolutionary War and his years as President

Jefferson: Architect of American Liberty

John B. Boles plumbs every facet of Thomas Jefferson's life, including Jefferson the politician and political thinker; the architect; scientist; bibliophile; paleontologist; musician; and gourmet.

Thomas Jefferson

In this short biography, R. B. Bernstein looks at all of Jefferson's triumphs, contradictions, and failings.

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