Thomas Jefferson's Private Retreat

Monticello was well known.  People were constantly coming to visit.  Poor ol' Jefferson could hardly get anything done for all of the entertaining he did for "drop-in" guests - almost a moral requirement in the 17 and 1800's.  When he was a young man he inherited Poplar Forest plantation.  It was just a few days travel by carriage from Monticello.

In 1806 (the same year Lewis and Clark completed their famous exploration of Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase) Jefferson began construction on a small place at Poplar Forest. 

No, really, it was small - only 2 bedrooms, a dining room, study, and two small rooms that could be used for storage.  One of the other tourist wondered why only two bedrooms.  BECAUSE IT WAS A RETREAT!  About the only people Jefferson invited to Poplar forest were two granddaughters.

Jefferson retreated here for the purpose of solitude.  He studied his books, reflected on issues of the day, attended to correspondence with friends, to refresh and regroup his thoughts...