About

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville lies in the heart of ancestral Monacan Indian territory, near where the town of Monasukapanough had been settled for centuries. Founded in 1762 as the new county seat for Albemarle County, Charlottesville is named in honor of Queen Charlotte of Great Britain.

Known best for Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia, the City has a deep and complicated history rooted in a slave economy. Today, Charlottesville struggles to undo generations of racial and social injustice.

Use this digital map to explore Downtown Charlottesville, Court Square, Market Street Park, and vestiges of Vinegar Hill for a glimpse into Charlottesville's journey. Printed maps are also available at Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society at 200 Second Street NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902.