Charlottesville, Independent city in central Virginia, United States
Charlottesville is an independent city in central Virginia with around 46,000 residents, serving as the local administrative seat. The settlement spreads across gentle hills at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is crossed by the Rivanna River.
The founding occurred in 1762 and the name honors Queen Charlotte of England. Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe later lived in the area and shaped the early history of the region.
The University of Virginia shapes daily life with public lectures, exhibitions, and concerts that visitors can often attend for free. Local cafés and bookshops fill with students and faculty members discussing politics, literature, and philosophy.
The Downtown Mall forms the commercial center with shops, restaurants, and performance venues extending over several blocks. Visitors can explore most areas on foot, while public parking and local bus service make getting around easier.
The Monticello estate sits three miles (5 kilometers) southeast and displays Jefferson's architectural ideas in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors discover historical gardens, underground passages, and rooms offering insights into the lives of enslaved people.
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