There is something quite regal about the town of Charlottesville, Virginia. After all, it was taken from the name of the Queen Consort of English King George lll, one Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. That is not the only thing famous about Charlottesville either – it is also noted for its great academy, the University of Virginia. Those moving to Charlottesville will discover an exciting town and a great place to live.
History:
Formed by charter in 1762, Charlottesville started out as a supply town along the Three Notched Road, today U.S. Route 250, which linked Richmond all the way to the Great Valley. Charlottesville played an important role in the American Revolutionary War, but was less involved in the American Civil War unlike much of the Stata. The University of Virginia was founded in 1819, thanks to its founder and principal visionary, Thomas Jefferson. The first railroad firm to arrive in Charlottesville was the Louisa Railroad Company, and the arrival of the rail network was as vital to expansion as to the movement of goods and raw materials. In 1854, Charlottesville held its first mayoral election. The arrival of the twentieth century saw expansion and prosperity in the region. After World War II, Charlottesville shared in general post-war prosperity as banks, businesses and transportation companies continued to expand. With the arrival of new highways in the 1960s, Charlotte became more accessible for the tourist, and so the area witnessed a rapid increase in the hospitality sector. Today, the city of Charlottesville is visited by millions of travelers from all over the world.
Economy:
The Greater Charlottesville area is a thriving economic zone with a population of around 240,000 residents who have access to more than 104,000 jobs through thousands of local employers. The University of Virginia alone employs over 20,000 people but there are many more employers adding to a diverse mix of economic activity. Emerging technology companies are attracted in numbers to the charming City of Charlottesville bringing with them job-generating ideas. Some of the leading employers in the region are Wal-Mart, Klockner Pentaplast, GE Fanuc, State Farm Insurance, Pepsi-Cola Bottling and the Northrup Group. The higher education sector plays an important role too, with Piedmont Virginia Community College adding an impressive number of career opportunities. Agriculture also plays an important role in the economy growing produce to the value of more than $60-million each year.
Tourism:
Charlottesville offers an evocative blend of Southern hospitality - evolved from its colorful history, very distinctive architecture and a small-city ambience which turns its back on the theory that "bigger must be better". Millions of visitors are attracted every year, making this City a very special place. Thomas Jefferson realized the potential when he built his fabulous home, Monticello. So too the magnificent university which was Jefferson's dream-come-true. Incidentally both of these fine architectural treasures are included on the World Heritage List along with the likes of the Great Pyramids and that incredible memorial to love, the Taj Mahal. Fourth president James Madison's home also awaits your visit, as does fifth president, James Monroe's. Lest we forget our history, Madison was the author of the Constitution. Needless to say, there are many more delights awaiting the lucky visitor! Check out the City of Charlottesville tourism website for more.