Skip Monticello and follow Mulberry row in a self directed tour or the slave tour. Both were amazing ways to connect with history in a real way.
We were expecting more structures to be standing, else it would've been a 5. The dependencies were amazing, and really let you go back in time.
Mulberry Row is the part of the Monticello property where Thomas Jefferson's slaves lived. Over 600 during his lifetime. A 40 - 45 minute tour given by the volunteer docents of Monticello describes the lives and experiences of the slaves owned by the Jefferson family at Monticello. Challenging, engaging, though respectful exploration of the incredible contradiction between Jefferson the statesman and Jefferson the slave-holding Virginia planter. The tour is included in the $25 price of admission. After the tour, I bought 3 books at the gift shop on the subject.
If you are going to see Monticello you can easily walk to were Mulberry row was and the ruins still are. It is interesting to see just how self sufficient this plantation was. Thomas Jefferson was a genius. It doesn't take long to stop and check this out and afterwards head down the way to the family cemetery and gardens.
Anytime I get to go to Monticello I am a happy girl. They are doing so much more investigation into Mulberry Row, that when the work is all done, it is going to be an amazing addition to the whole Monticello experience. In years past I have done the Mulberry Row guided tour and that was a great experience. This time, we just walked by ourselves and took in our surroundings.
Take the guided tour when offered. The guides are very knowledgeable and could answer any and all questions that were asked!
Mulberry Row is wonderful to see when the vegetable garden is in full effect. It gives insight to how organized things had to be in order to get the most out of the land. Can get very hot and humid in the summer time. Be sure to bring plenty of water if you go during the summer. The grave sight requires some uneven paths so bring some good comfortable shoes.
Worth seeing while in Charlottesville, VA. You must see for yourself. Wear comfortable shoes. Only takes a short time to see.
Plan to include Mulberry Row in your visit to Monticello. You can't really get the whole picture of this time period without trying to imagine what it was like for everyone.
The history of Mulberry Row is very interesting and I really enjoyed learning about the different levels of slavery practiced by Jefferson. They only has a couple benches so unless you are in the beginning of the line be prepared to stand for the 45 minutes of the talk.