Traces remain of many of Jefferson's original roads, which included a series of four "roundabouts" that completely encircled the mountain at different elevations. The first, or uppermost roundabout, which includes Mulberry Row, has been restored. Sections of the roundabouts were lined with "allées" of mulberry and honey locust trees.
Jefferson's Daily Ride
The roundabouts were connected by diagonal roads, some of which Jefferson identified as the "1 in 10" or "1 in 20" -- a reference to the rate of ascent up the mountainside.
Access to the house was from Thoroughfare Gap (where the present entrance is over the Saunders Bridge) and from two Rivanna River fords at the base of the mountain. The current shuttle bus access roads follow Jefferson's roads in some portions of their routes.
Historic Roads on the Plantation
Learn more about the historic roads at Monticello and how documents, aerial lidar, and archaeology provide clues about all the historic roads at Monticello