Jefferson: Slavery at Monticello
Enslaved Families of Monticello
Discover the history of six enslaved families who lived and worked at Monticello.
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o. “servant's house”
Dwelling for enslaved people—individuals and families
ca. 1770s–ca. 1801
Built during the early 1770s to serve as a dwelling for multiple enslaved families or individuals on Mulberry Row. At some point in the late 1780s or early 1790s, this structure was replaced with another log building that Jefferson defined as “a servant’s house 20 ½ f. by 12 f. of wood, with a wooden chimney & earth floor.” Although the identities of those who lived here is not known, archaeological evidence suggests that the dwelling was inhabited by a single family or kinship group until its demolition around 1801.
Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery
Learn more about archaeological research at Monticello and the latest findings at site from the Chesapeake to the Carribean.