Thomas Jefferson: Guardian of the Natural Bridge

Described by Thomas Jefferson as ＂the most sublime of nature’s works,＂ the Natural Bridge is a 215-foot limestone arch in Rockbridge County, Virginia, carved out over millennia by Cedar Creek. Jefferson acquired the bridge in 1774 and, for the rest of his long life, oversaw its preservation and management. In this book, Jefferson authority Andrew Holowchak guides readers through the story of the man and his monument. Notable episodes include Jefferson’s initial interest in the Natural Bridge; his sublime depiction of the site in his Notes on Virginia; his lifelong efforts to preserve the bridge by protecting it from those who might desecrate it; his controversial decision to allow mining of lead and saltpeter nearby; and the arrival of freed slave Patrick Henry, whom Jefferson permitted to squat on land near the bridge and use it as his own. This is a unique and remarkable biography of Jefferson’s lifelong fascination with one of the most beloved natural monuments in the United States.

M. Andrew Holowchak, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy and history, who taught at institutions such as University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan, and Rutgers University, Camden. He is author/editor of over 70 books and nearly 350 published essays, formal and informal, on topics such as ethics, ancient philosophy, science, psychoanalysis, and critical thinking. His current research is on Thomas Jefferson--he is acknowledged by many scholars to be the world’s foremost authority--and has published over 225 essays, formal and informal, and 28 books on Jefferson. He also writes on Ukraine. He has authored Whisk of the Red Broom: Stalin and the Ukraine, 1928-1933, Michael Chemny: Expatriated Ukrainian Patriot, and The Oath.

Dr. Holowchak also has numerous videos and a weekly series with Donna Vitek, titled ＂One Work, Five Questions＂ and ＂The Real Thomas Jefferson＂ on Jefferson on YouTube. He can be reached at mholowchak@hotmail.com.