Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Monticello (VA)
November 17, 2024
Our day will start by meeting Lafayette on his journey from Richmond to Monticello at nearby Boyd Tavern. Watch as William Cabell Rives greets Lafayette on behalf of Albemarle County. Then, we will follow Lafayette up the mountain on the same route he took 200 years ago to Monticello. We will take this day to explore all Monticello has to offer. Lunch will be at your own convenience on-site or slip out for a few moments for lunch at Michie Tavern.
*We will tour the mansion with an emphasis on Lafayette’s friendship with Thomas Jefferson.
* The memorable greeting between Jefferson and Lafayette will be recreated.
* Monticello historian J Jefferson Looney of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc. will share more insight from Jefferson’s and Lafayette’s letters of correspondence.
* There will be special interpretations for this bicentennial time by the Monticello staff including French lessons, wine tastings, and special exhibits.
* Visit the cemetery where Jefferson is buried. Tour the gardens Jefferson spent years compiling data. Walk along Mulberry Row where the workings of his plantation happened.
For those staying over Sunday night to head home on Monday, we will have an optional private dinner at Michie Tavern with hearty food and fun entertainment.