Facts About the Monticello Plantation
Jefferson owned 5,000 acres—nearly eight square miles—of land surrounding Monticello.
Up to 80 men, women, and children labored in these fields. They cultivated cash crops, tobacco and wheat, but farming never provided Jefferson with a consistent income. (Pictured: "Harvesting Wheat" by Nathaniel Gibbs, part of a series of paintings imagining slave life at Monticello)
They grew corn to feed the plantation’s people and lived in cabins near the fields where they worked. (Pictured: "Cornstalks" by Nathaniel Gibbs, part of a series of paintings imagining slave life at Monticello)
People to Know: George Granger, Sr.
Granger, called “King George” or “Great George,” was Monticello’s only black overseer. (Pictured: Detail from "Harvesting Wheat" by Nathaniel Gibbs, part of a series of paintings imagining slave life at Monticello)
Granger brought in a successful tobacco crop, but Jefferson's son-in-law claimed that he failed to discipline his fellow slaves. (Pictured: "Prizing tobacco")
Granger died at age 69 after being treated by a folk healer. Jefferson suspected that the healer’s remedy caused his death. (Pictured: “At Sunbury” by William Berryman, 1808-1815, Library of Congress)
Video: "The whole machine would move in exact equilibria"
Jefferson Seeks to Perfect the Wheat Harvest (Running time: 1:46)
Video: The Beauty of Monticello and the Ugliness of Slavery
Guide Brandon Dillard on the difficulties of discussing slavery at a World Heritage Site known for its beautiful setting. (Running time: 2:08))
Video: Overseers and Violence
A look at the central role violence played in the institution of slavery (Running time: 1:21)
Did Jefferson hire or lease slaves?
Like many slave owners, Jefferson hired additional enslaved workers during the harvest or other busy times. He also leased out members of his own enslaved community to earn money.