Charlottesville, Virginia

Geography and History

Charlottesville is located in the center of the Commonwealth of Virginia along the Rivanna River, a tributary of the James, just west of the Southwest Mountains which parallel the Blue Ridge about 20 miles to the West. It was formed by charter in 1762 along a trade route called Three Notched Road (present day US 250) which led from Richmond to the Great Valley. Other major highways through Charlottesville are US 29, from Washington, D.C. to Danville, Virginia, and I-64 which parallels US 250 in the vicinity of Charlottesville.

Related Topics:
Rivanna River - James - Blue Ridge - Richmond - Great Valley - Washington, D.C. - Danville, Virginia

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Monticello, the plantation manor of Thomas Jefferson, is a popular tourist attraction close to Charlottesville. During the American Civil War several battles took place in Charlottesville including the Battle of Rio Hill. During the American Revolutionary War the Convention Army was imprisioned in Charlottesville between 1779 and 1781. On June 4, 1781, Jack Jouett warned the Virginia Legislature meeting at Monticello of an intended raid by Banastre Tarleton, allowing a narrow escape. Jouett's Ride

Related Topics:
Monticello - Thomas Jefferson - American Civil War - Battle of Rio Hill - American Revolutionary War - Convention Army - 1779 - 1781 - June 4 - Jack Jouett - Banastre Tarleton

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John Mosby and Meriwether Lewis were both born in Charlottesville, and Edgar Allan Poe lived in the city while attending the University of Virginia. William Faulkner was a writer in residence at the University of Virginia, to which he bequeathed all of his original manuscripts. Also, William McGuffey lived in Charlottesville while serving as a professor at the University. Dave Matthews was a bartender in a Charlottesville bar called Miller's when he formed the Dave Matthews Band, and now divides his time between homes in Seattle and the Charlottesville area. John Grisham currently makes Charlottesville one of his two homes. Actress Sissy Spacek, famous for her portrayal of tormented highschooler Carrie, lives just outside of Charlottesville, in Albemarle County. Actors Jessica Lange, Sam Shepard, and Tom Cruise have maintained homes in the area as well. Both Stephen Malkmus of rock band Pavement and David Berman of rock band Silver Jews lived for a time in and formed their respective bands while residing in the city.

Related Topics:
John Mosby - Meriwether Lewis - Edgar Allan Poe - William Faulkner - William McGuffey - Dave Matthews - Dave Matthews Band - Seattle - John Grisham - Sissy Spacek - Carrie - Jessica Lange - Sam Shepard - Tom Cruise - Stephen Malkmus - Pavement - David Berman - Silver Jews

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Charlottesville is the home of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory headquarters. It is served by two area hospitals, the Martha Jefferson Hospital founded in 1903, and the UVA Hospital.

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.6 km² (10.3 mi²). None of the area is covered with water.

Related Topics:
United States Census Bureau - Km² - Mi²

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