While Thomas Jefferson spent the majority of his life in Virginia, he traveled far more—both domestically and internationally—than the average person in early America.
In this recorded Q&A, Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, discusses his various trips, his fastidious record-keeping during travel, and what he learned from those experiences.Watch
Early Travels
TuckahoeAs a child, Jefferson and his family travelled to Tuckahoe, the plantation of his deceased cousin, William Randolph, remaining there for several years. Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article on Tuckahoe's influence on Jefferson.
WilliamsburgIn 1760, Jefferson enrolled at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg. He returned to Williamsburg many times over the next twenty years as a lawyer, member of Virginia's House of Burgesses and House of Delegates, and as Governor. Learn more in this Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedic article.
The ForestExplore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article about The Forest, the Charles City County plantation of John Wayles, where Jefferson courted and married Wayles's daughter Martha Wayles Skelton.
StauntonAs a young lawyer, Jefferson made many trips to Staunton, some 40 miles from Monticello. Learn more in this article from the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia.
PhiladelphiaJefferson visited Philadelphia many times over the course of his public life as a member of the Continental Congress, the Confederation Congress, Secretary of State, and Vice President.
ElkhillExplore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article describing Elkhill, the small plantation owned by Thomas Jefferson near Elk Island, at the mouth of Byrd Creek in Goochland County, 45 miles from Monticello.
In Europe
"Behold me at length on the vaunted scene of Europe!"
ParisAs Minister to France, Jefferson made Paris his home and the base of operations for his travels in Europe. Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article about Jefferson and the City of Light.
EnglandIn this recorded livestream, Thomas Jefferson (as interpreted by Bill Barker) discusses Jefferson’s English sojourn, and what he learned along the way.
LondonJefferson said of his 1786 visit to London that "both town and country fell short of my expectations" but he left behind a detailed written record of the sites he saw. Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article on Jefferson's adventures in London.
Journey Through France and Italy (1787)In 1787 Thomas Jefferson travelled as a private citizen on a three-month journey to southern France and northern Italy. Learn more in this article from the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia.
Mediterranean Journey (1787)Explore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article about Jefferson's enchantment by the French and Italian Rivieras and the Alps-Maritimes.
The NetherlandsIn this recorded livestream, Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker, talks about his tour through the Netherlands in 1788.
As Secretary of State, Vice President & President
New York CityExplore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article on Jefferson's visits to, and residence in, New York City, which was once the capital of the U.S.
PhiladelphiaThomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker, describes his time in Philadelphia as Secretary of State and Vice President in this recorded livestream.
Northern Tour of 1791Read the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article about Thomas Jefferson and James Madison journeying to New England and upstate New York for relaxation, exploration, and (despite claiming otherwise) politicking.
In Retirement
"I leave this within a week for my occasional home at Poplar forest near Lynchburg"
Poplar ForestIn this recorded Q&A with Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, watch a discussion about Jefferson's retirement retreat, Poplar Forest.
Peaks of OtterExplore the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia's article about Jefferson's 1815 trip to measure the elevation of the Peaks of Otter, near Bedford, Virginia.
Warm Springs, VirginiaIn 1818, Jefferson travelled to Warm Springs seeking relief from rheumatism. This Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article reveals his trip did not end well.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham gives us a complete vision of Thomas Jefferson the man, from birth to his last days - through the Revolutionary War and his years as President
John B. Boles plumbs every facet of Thomas Jefferson's life, including Jefferson the politician and political thinker; the architect; scientist; bibliophile; paleontologist; musician; and gourmet.
