What a marvelous piece of history! I had no idea this residence existed; I heard Thomas Jefferson mentioned it in a Q&A (re-enactment, of course.) The video is beautifully done and for those of us who can no longer travel, it is greatly appreciated.
Wow - I had never read of this place before - all emphasis always being on Monticello. How amazing to have another similar property 90 miles away that took 3 days to get to by carriage !t brings to reality life as it was then, even for the wealthy always everything took so much time !
There is no evidence Jefferson intended to build a wing on the west side of the property; however, you are absolutely correct about his love of symmetry! At Poplar Forest that symmetry with the wing was actually created by a double row of paper mulberry trees that were planted on either side of the house. When the wing was constructed, the south row of trees on the east side of the house was eliminated, but the north side stayed to provide shade for the wing roof and both rows stayed on the west side so his desired symmetry was still there, just with trees.
Jefferson was criticized for fleeing the governorship as the British invaded Virginia. One reason for his later difficulties with those who had actively served against the British: Washington and Hamolton among them. Architecture is an expensive hobby. One reason TJ died in debt, causing the slaves to be sold off, breaking family bonds. I am glad those restoring TJ's beautiful homes celebrate his genius while remembering those whose labor made his leisurely pursuits possible.
What a marvelous piece of history!
I had no idea this residence existed; I heard Thomas Jefferson mentioned it in a Q&A (re-enactment, of course.)
The video is beautifully done and for those of us who can no longer travel, it is greatly appreciated.
Wow - I had never read of this place before - all emphasis always being on Monticello. How amazing to have another similar property 90 miles away that took 3 days to get to by carriage !t brings to reality life as it was then, even for the wealthy always everything took so much time !
I watched this several times
Fascinating
Awesome videos!
I always wondered if Jefferson had planned to build a second, matching wing to flank the house. He was so into symmetry.
There is no evidence Jefferson intended to build a wing on the west side of the property; however, you are absolutely correct about his love of symmetry! At Poplar Forest that symmetry with the wing was actually created by a double row of paper mulberry trees that were planted on either side of the house. When the wing was constructed, the south row of trees on the east side of the house was eliminated, but the north side stayed to provide shade for the wing roof and both rows stayed on the west side so his desired symmetry was still there, just with trees.
I went there before I loved it
Jefferson was criticized for fleeing the governorship as the British invaded Virginia. One reason for his later difficulties with those who had actively served against the British: Washington and Hamolton among them.
Architecture is an expensive hobby. One reason TJ died in debt, causing the slaves to be sold off, breaking family bonds.
I am glad those restoring TJ's beautiful homes celebrate his genius while remembering those whose labor made his leisurely pursuits possible.