Charlottesville

Charlottesville‏‎ is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 43,475. It is the county seat of Albemarle County, which surrounds the city, though the two are separate legal entities. It is named after Queen Charlotte of Great Britain.

History

Charlottesville was established in 1762 by the Virginia General Assembly. It was named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the queen consort of King George III of the United Kingdom. The city is known for its historic landmarks such as the Monticello and the University of Virginia, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Geography

Charlottesville is located in central Virginia and is approximately 100 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. and 70 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia. The city is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known for its picturesque scenery.

Economy

The economy of Charlottesville is diverse and includes sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology. The University of Virginia is the city's largest employer. Other significant employers include the Charlottesville City Schools, Sentara Healthcare, and the city government.

Education

Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, a public research university founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. The city also has a number of public and private schools, as well as several institutions of higher education, including Piedmont Virginia Community College.

Culture

Charlottesville is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city hosts the annual Virginia Film Festival and the Charlottesville Pavilion concert series.

Transportation

Charlottesville is served by the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, Amtrak, and a public bus system, Charlottesville Area Transit. The city also has a network of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Notable people

Notable people from Charlottesville include Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, and Edgar Allan Poe, a famous American writer and poet.