"We have made a stunning discovery..."
April 28, 2016 9:38 AM Subscribe
Archaeological evidence has emerged to reveal that the previously-thought home of the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe, in Albemarle County, Virginia, was actually a guest house and that Monroe's Highland was something far more grand.
Highland is located just down the road from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
Highland is located just down the road from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
I grew up in C'ville and for years I have told people to go visit Monroe's house first, cause after seeing Monticello, it's going to feel like a bit of a dump. There's a fascinating level of historical acceptance of fact without anyone every really examining it on a deeper level, and when someone decides to actually dig into the dirt and drill a hole or two, BAM! It begins to unravel incredibly fast.
posted by Atreides at 12:06 PM on April 28, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by Atreides at 12:06 PM on April 28, 2016 [3 favorites]
The dendrochronologist, Michael Worthington, used to be featured on Time Team. He was known as "Mick the Dig" for the first few years of the show, and later "Mick the Twig" as he transitioned to a new career in dendrochronology. He's good at his job.
posted by disclaimer at 12:25 PM on April 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by disclaimer at 12:25 PM on April 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
How cool! It's amazing how completely this kind of thing can disappear from memory, even when it's the house of a famous person that you'd think would have move records about it through the years.
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:28 PM on April 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:28 PM on April 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
If you're in the area, might as well stop by another of Monroe's old places: his old farm was the original Grounds for UVa, where the farmhouse eventually became a residential college.
posted by LionIndex at 12:47 PM on April 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by LionIndex at 12:47 PM on April 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
Huh. Once again the Disney/Reader's Digest US history doesn't match reality. Gosh, I'm beginning to distrust that stuff.
Next?? Lincoln grew up in a gated community, and the butler stayed up late to keep the fireplce roaring while he read.
I mean, c'mon, who names their kid Tad ??
posted by Twang at 3:19 PM on April 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
Next?? Lincoln grew up in a gated community, and the butler stayed up late to keep the fireplce roaring while he read.
I mean, c'mon, who names their kid Tad ??
posted by Twang at 3:19 PM on April 28, 2016 [2 favorites]
I'm writing a congratulatory note (on paper!) to Ash Lawn Highland's director right now. I'm so impressed by her decision to do this research, knowing full well where it might lead her.
posted by waldo at 6:19 PM on April 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by waldo at 6:19 PM on April 28, 2016 [1 favorite]
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posted by suelac at 11:03 AM on April 28, 2016 [1 favorite]