The Department of Archaeology is dedicated to studying and
preserving Monticello's archaeological record, and to
deciphering its meaning through comparative research. Monticello
is home to a unique collection of artifacts, antique books, and
works of art relating to every aspect of Jefferson's diverse
interests as well as to the larger Monticello community. In 1794
Jefferson added a nailmaking operation to his blacksmith shop on
Mulberry Row at Monticello. He hoped it would provide a source
of cash income while he restored the depleted soil of his farms.
Nail rod was shipped from Philadelphia and hammered into nails
ranging in size from six-pennies to twenty-pennies. The West
Front of Monticello is one of the most widely recognized views
of Thomas Jefferson's home. New U.S. citizens are sworn in on
the West Portico steps every July 4, and thousands upon
thousands of visitors have posed on the same masonry steps to
have their images recorded in front of the facade that has
graced coins, postage stamps, and cou