Charlottesville [key], city (2020 pop. 46,553), seat of Albemarle co., central Va., on the Rivanna River, in a Piedmont farm region known for its apples; founded 1762, chartered as a city 1888. Electronic and computer equipment are made there and the Univ. of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, is located in the city (see Virginia, Univ. of). British Gen. John Burgoyne's captured army was quartered nearby in 1779–80, and in 1781 Sir Banastre Tarleton raided the city. Nearby are Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; Highland (later renamed Ash Lawn), the plantation of James Monroe; the birthplaces of Meriwether Lewis and George Rogers Clark; and Michie Tavern Museum. The Institute of Textile Technology is also located there.
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