A modern-day painting by Nathaniel Gibbs depicting several enslaved workers cutting, stacking, and loading wheat onto a cart driven by two oxen.

Work on the Monticello Plantation

Work on the Monticello Plantation

At Monticello, enslaved people, free artisans, and indentured servants worked as tinsmiths, nailers, sawyers, carpenters, joiners, charcoal-burners, spinners, weavers, hostlers, and domestic servants. The work of these men, women, and children supported Jefferson’s elite household, and allowed him to build and renovate his house and carry out agricultural and industrial activities on the entire 5,000-acre Monticello plantation.

Selected Types of Work at Monticello

  • People practicing a variety of trades and skills lived and worked at Monticello. A listing of these trades appears below.

    Note: All involve both free (F) and enslaved (E) workers, unless otherwise noted.

    Agriculture and Horticulture

    Plower (E)
    Gardener
    Shepherd (E)
    Miller
    Engrafter (F)
    Overseer

    Wood trades

    Charcoalburner
    Sawyer
    Carpenter
    Joiner
    Cabinetmaker
    Wheelwright
    Carriagemaker (wooden parts)
    Millwright (F)
    Cooper
    Basketmaker (E)

    Metalworking

    Blacksmith
    Nailmaker
    Tinsmith
    Carriagemaker (metal parts)

    Textiles and Clothing

    Spinner/Carder/Quiller (E)
    Weaver
    Dyer
    Seamstress/Tailor
    Shoemaker

    Building Trades (other than woodworking)

    Brickmaker
    Bricklayer
    Limeburner (E)
    Stonecutter
    Stonemason
    Glazier
    Plasterer
    Painter
    Roofer

    Domestic Skills

    Launderer (E)
    Cook (E)
    Dairy workers (E)
    Brewer
    Soap Maker (E)
    Candle Maker(E)
    Butler (E)
    Barber/hairdresser (E)
    Lady's maid/valet (E)
    House maid (ES)
    Midwife

    Travel and Transport

    Postillion (E)
    Coachman (E)
    Hostler (E)
    Wagoner/Carter
    Waterman

    - Lucia Stanton, 1996

A short, five-minute video showcasing the lives of both enslaved and free individuals who lived and worked on Monticello's Mulberry Row.

Picturing Mulberry Row

A five-minute look at the ride Jefferson took most days around his Monticello plantation

Thomas Jefferson's Daily Ride

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Organization of the Monticello Plantation