North Wing

The North Wing contained a privy, ice house, stables, tack room, and laundry facilities in Jefferson's time. The privy and ice house are restored for visitors to see, while other areas have been converted into visitor amenities.

Location
Location: North Wing
Cost
Included with every ticket
Ages
All ages
Access
Fully accessible
View of the North Wing Location at Monticello

North Privy

Interior of the North Priviy

Exterior view of the North Priviy

It was unusual for houses in the United States at the start of the 19th century to have inside toilet facilities, but Monticello had three. These non-flushing privies were attached to shafts that provided ventilation.

Ice House

An image of the mid-20th-century recreation of Monticello's ice house and its North Wing terrace.

To keep ice for the Monticello plantation, Thomas Jefferson designed an ice house, constructed by enslaved craftsmen under the direction of his Irish house joiner James Dinsmore. Ice was used to make ice cream, chill wine, preserve food, and cool beverages on hot days. Ice harvested in the winter would last until late summer.

Jefferson's Travels

A reconstruction of Jefferson's four-wheeled phaeton carriage, the seat of which he designed himself.

In this space, you'll find a map of Jefferson’s route to Washington, DC, an interactive version of Jefferson’s 1807 odometer, and a reproduction of Jefferson’s 1802 horse-drawn phaeton—the sports car of its day.

Farm Shop

The exterior of the Monticello Farm Shop in the North Wing of the main house with an ice-cream cart adorned with an umbrella out front.

Farm Shop Exterior

An internal view of the Farm Shop at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Farm Shop Interior

The Farm Shop, located under the North Terrace of Monticello—provides a convenient selection of gift items, beverages, and snacks.

Monticello's North Wing