So I’m a huge fan of Jeffersonian architecture.

This is Poplar Forest, our 3rd president’s retreat near Bedford, Virginia. The house is seen from the south lawn.

We went to Poplar Forest a few years ago, and we weren’t able to tour the inside, I think because of restoration work.

Jefferson was a complex individual, author of liberty, owner of slaves.

“In Bedford I have two plantations, adjoining, of 16 hands (slaves) each, uplands of the first quality, where I cultivate both tobacco and wheat.”

T. Jefferson, January 20, 1815

In June 1781 (during the Revolutionary War), Thomas Jefferson and his family arrived at Poplar Forest after retreating from Charlottesville during a British raid. Jefferson and his family stayed at Poplar Forest until late July.

You can read more about Poplar Forest here.

You can buy this painting here.

Happy Independence Day!