The information below is designed to help you as you begin to think about, organize, and practice your tour. This is NOT a strict outline of what should and should not be included in your tour, but rather a list of suggestions. Though you are responsible for all of the information on the sheet, please feel free to add your own stories and any other additional information you may have collected. An impressive tour will combine this information in a creative and innovative way, utilizing a theme and your own personality!
Our best piece of advice: observe a few tours yourself before you begin to outline your own. Historical tours begin at 10, 11, 2, 3, and 4 each day in the Rotunda. History of African-Americans tours are 4:00 every Friday. If you simply want to catch the Lawn portion of the tour, join the group on the half hour (i.e. 10:30) on the South Steps of the Rotunda.
Thomas Jefferson
After an extended career in public service, Thomas Jefferson returned to Charlottesville to begin the "hobby" of his old age. In founding the University of Virginia, Jefferson was determined to create a university "on a plan so broad and liberal and modern as to be worth patronizing with public support." He was the driving force behind the collection of funds for and the generation of interest in the University; was instrumental in choosing its location; designed the original buildings and Grounds; formulated the curriculum as it first existed; and most importantly, gave the University a philosophical orientation as well as an academic and intellectual atmosphere that was peculiarly his own. Named the first Rector of the Board of Visitors in 1819, Jefferson oversaw all aspects of University life.
After an extended career in public service, Thomas Jefferson returned to Charlottesville to begin the "hobby" of his old age. In founding the University of Virginia, Jefferson was determined to create a university "on a plan so broad and liberal and modern as to be worth patronizing with public support." He was the driving force behind the collection of funds for and the generation of interest in the University; was instrumental in choosing its location; designed the original buildings and Grounds; formulated the curriculum as it first existed; and most importantly, gave the University a philosophical orientation as well as an academic and intellectual atmosphere that was peculiarly his own. Named the first Rector of the Board of Visitors in 1819, Jefferson oversaw all aspects of University life.
Founding Chronology
| 1816 | Central College was chartered under the auspices of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe and others. |
| 1817 | The cornerstone of Pavilion VII was laid, marking the beginning of the construction of Central College. |
| 1818 | The Virginia General Assembly passed a bill to construct a state university. |
| 1819 | The University of Virginia was founded when Central College turned over its deed to the Commonwealth. |
| 1826 | Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, ironically the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. |
| 1853 | An annex, designed by Robert Mills, was added to the north side of the Rotunda for additional classrooms. |
| 1895 | On October 27, a fire broke out in the Annex, destroying both it and the Rotunda. Only the Rotunda's exterior walls remained. |
| 1898 | The Rotunda was reconstructed by Stanford White. Strongly influenced by the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris (School of Fine Arts), White rebuilt the Rotunda in a highly elaborate, decorative style. Around this time, White also built Old Cabell, Rouss, and Cocke Halls, thus closing in the Lawn. |
| 1976 | The Rotunda was restored to its original Jeffersonian design. |
Student Chronology
| 1825 | On March 7, the newly founded university opened its doors to an entering class of 30 to 40 students. |
| 1870-1970 | Most women at the University were students of the Nursing School or School of Education. Some exceptions were made for women wanting to study in the CLAS. |
| 1950 | Gregory Swanson, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, gained admission to UVA Law School, becoming the first African American student to enter the University. Swanson did not receive his degree. |
| 1968-69 | Student leaders and enrolled black students pressured the administration to actively recruit and admit African American students. In this year, there were merely 52 full time black students. |
| 1970 | 440 women selected to enter the CLAS, officially coeducating the CLAS. |
The Academical Village
The culmination of Jefferson's dream for higher education was the creation of an "academical village" where students and faculty would live together and learn from one another. The Rotunda serves as the focal point of the open, expansive lawn surrounded by ten pavilions interspersed amongst 54 student rooms. The Ranges, with six hotels ( originally dining halls) and 55 student rooms, comprise the exterior boundaries of Jefferson's Academical Village. Separating the Lawn and Range are 10 unique gardens based on European designs.
The culmination of Jefferson's dream for higher education was the creation of an "academical village" where students and faculty would live together and learn from one another. The Rotunda serves as the focal point of the open, expansive lawn surrounded by ten pavilions interspersed amongst 54 student rooms. The Ranges, with six hotels ( originally dining halls) and 55 student rooms, comprise the exterior boundaries of Jefferson's Academical Village. Separating the Lawn and Range are 10 unique gardens based on European designs.
Initially, classes were held on the lower floors of the pavilions, while the professors and their families resided on the upper floors. Today, all of the pavilions, except Pavilion VII, which is the Colonnade Hotel, are used as faculty residences. Each lawn room now houses a selected fourth or fifth year student who has contributed significantly to the University.
The Rotunda
Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the Rotunda was the last of the original buildings to be constructed (1823-1826). Before the fire, the Rotunda housed classroom space on the first two floors and the library in the Dome Room. The library was moved to Alderman Library in 1938.
Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, the Rotunda was the last of the original buildings to be constructed (1823-1826). Before the fire, the Rotunda housed classroom space on the first two floors and the library in the Dome Room. The library was moved to Alderman Library in 1938.
The Pavilions
| Pavilion I | Although less classically pure further and further down the Lawn, all of the Pavilions are modeled after Greek and Roman temples, with the exception of Pavilion IX. The windows of Pavilion I are separated by the "floating balcony," creating the illusion of one long continuous window, emblematic of the temple design. Iron rods, the first exterior use of structural iron in America, support the balcony. Note the interesting placement of the stairwell in the window of this pavilion. |
| Pavilion III | The smallest pavilion, but the most expensive to build. The larger portion of the expenses can be attributed to the ornate Corinthian capitals. |
| Pavilion V | Triple sash windows improved air circulation in the muggy Charlottesville summers. The Chippendale railings on the windows are said to have kept children inside and protected the windows from damage. Recently restored for $1.2 million, this pavilion includes classroom space overlooking the garden. |
| Pavilion VII | The first pavilion and the only one with an arcade. Home to the University library until the completion of the Rotunda in 1826. Pavilion VII was converted to the Colonnade Club, a faculty-alumni social club, in 1907. Remember this is the pavilion where the founders laid the cornerstone of the University. Also note the Seven Society plaque. |
| Pavilion VIII | The only pavilion that currently demonstrates the original Jeffersonian ideal, with classes on the main floor and professors living on the upper floor and in the basement. Pavilion VIII also has a student lounge. |
| Pavilion IX | An open skylight and arched doorway allow light to enter while keeping out the rain. This pavilion is based on a French garden house that Jefferson visited while serving as Minister to France from 1785 to 1789. |
| Pavilion X | On November 12, 1840, early student-faculty tensions culminated in the murder of Professor John Davis by a masked student in front of his home (Pavilion X). This incident is considered the impetus for the development of the University's Honor System, as it prompted student initiative for self-discipline. The Honor System as an institution was founded in 1842, largely through the efforts of Davis' successor, Mr. Henry St. George Tucker. |
Conclusions
Go out on a high note. End your tour with the culmination of your theme. You have several anecdotes at your disposal for the conclusion. What are they, you ask? Go on a tour (or two) and find out! Remember to be creative and enthusiastic. And please let your personality shine through. We want to see you do well. If you have any questions, never hesitate to call or e-mail. Good luck!
Go out on a high note. End your tour with the culmination of your theme. You have several anecdotes at your disposal for the conclusion. What are they, you ask? Go on a tour (or two) and find out! Remember to be creative and enthusiastic. And please let your personality shine through. We want to see you do well. If you have any questions, never hesitate to call or e-mail. Good luck!