Pics From Our Trip to Monticello and Montpelier

Here are a few of the pics from our recent trip to Monticello and Montpelier, a sidetrip from our Washington trip.

Here's Monticello. The thing is, they don't allow photography inside the building. What bullshit! I read a great book a few years ago called Jefferson and Monticello, and I want to read it again now.

Here's Montpelier, home of one of Jefferson's neighbors, James Madison. (Actually, James Monroe is an even closer TJ neighbor, but we didn't have time to go to his house that day.) It's undergoing a little reno.

The inside is getting a makeover too. Below is the room in which Madison studied many of the political systems of different nations throughout history to determine which elements he wanted to include in the Constitution.

Archaeology is one of my interests (I helped on a dig waaaay up in the Rockies one summer). Here is a group methodically going through Madison's front lawn.

He had this kind of temple thing in his backyard. I thought this was a cool shot. Anyone know what kind of tree that is?

Sweet Home Chicago

Back from our Washington D.C./Virginia trip -- Jefferson, Madison, Library of Congress, Embassy Row, Spy Museum, lots of stuff. Pictures and comments to follow.