Simone Lawson
Virginia State Route 20, also known as the Constitution Route, is a primary state highway in Virginia. The Constitution Route passes by the homes of three of America's Founding Fathers and presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The route was once known as the Road of the Presidents in the 1800s. It is a scenic byway that offers beautiful views of the Virginia countryside, including dense forests, green pastures, and flowering stands of Dogwood and Redbud. The route also provides access to historical sites such as the Buckingham Correctional Center and the presidential retreat Pine Knot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Virginia State Route 20 (SR 20) |
| Type | Primary state highway |
| Direction | North-south |
| Length | 89.79 miles (144.50 km) |
| Route | Charlottesville–Farmville–Dillwyn |
| Other Names | Constitution Route, Constitution Highway, Road of the Presidents |
| Points of Interest | Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland, James Madison’s Montpelier, University of Virginia, Michie Tavern, James Madison Museum, Buckingham Correctional Center, Scottsville Road, Christ Church Glendower, Charlottesville, Orange County, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania National Military Park |
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What You'll Learn
The route passes through the homes of three Founding Fathers and presidents
Virginia State Route 20 (SR 20) is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of Virginia. The route, also known as the Constitution Route, passes through the homes of three Founding Fathers and presidents.
The Constitution Route stretches from Charlottesville to Orange and is a well-known scenic drive. The route offers a glimpse into the past, as it passes by the homes of three influential American leaders: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. These men were not just friends and neighbours; they played a pivotal role in shaping the United States, drafting the Constitution, and ensuring its ratification.
Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop estate, Monticello, is a popular destination along the Constitution Route. Jefferson routinely travelled between Washington and Charlottesville, a journey that now takes just a few hours by car. Monticello has undergone major renovations in recent years, making it a must-see attraction.
James Monroe's Highland and James Madison's Montpelier are also located near Monticello, making them convenient stops for those travelling the Constitution Route. In addition to these historic plantation homes, travellers can also visit Michie Tavern, a museum that offers a glimpse into colonial life.
The Constitution Route is not just a scenic drive but a journey through history. By passing through the homes of these Founding Fathers, travellers can gain a deeper understanding of the birth of the United States and the men who made it possible. The route's name, the Constitution Route, is a fitting tribute to the legacy of these three presidents and the impact they had on the nation's foundation.
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It is a National Scenic Byway
State Route 20 (SR 20) is a primary state highway in Virginia. The highway runs 89.79 miles (144.50 km) from U.S. Route 15 (US 15) in Dillwyn north to SR 3 in Wilderness. SR 20 is a C-shaped route that connects Charlottesville with Farmville (via US 15) in Southside Virginia. The state highway also links Charlottesville to Fredericksburg (via SR 3) by way of Orange County, within which SR 20 is the main east–west highway. SR 20 is a Virginia Byway from Scottsville to Orange.
The Constitution Route, a few dozen miles of National Scenic Byway, is a part of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, as featured in National Geographic’s Drives of a Lifetime. The route passes by the homes of three of America's Founding Fathers and presidents. The men who built these plantation homes were not just friends, but in some cases, neighbours. They were instrumental in the birth of the United States, drafting the Constitution, and getting it ratified.
The route begins at an intersection with US 15 (James Madison Highway) just west of the town of Dillwyn. The state highway heads north as the two-lane undivided Constitution Route, which passes through the hamlet of Allenslevel, the site of Buckingham Correctional Centre. SR 20 crosses the Slate River and passes through the community of Centenary on its way through northwestern Buckingham County to its crossing of the James River. On the north side of the bridge, the state highway enters the town of Scottsville, through which the highway passes as Valley Street.
The Constitution Route, stretching from Charlottesville to Orange, is a gorgeous drive on good roads. The driving is moderately challenging in some sections, and there are plenty of places to pull over for photos or road trip supplies.
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It is also known as the Road of the Presidents
State Route 20 (SR 20) is a primary state highway in Virginia. The highway runs 89.79 miles (144.50 km) from U.S. Route 15 (US 15) in Dillwyn north to SR 3 in Wilderness. SR 20 is a C-shaped route that connects Charlottesville with Farmville (via US 15) in Southside Virginia. The state highway also links Charlottesville to Fredericksburg (via SR 3) by way of Orange County.
SR 20 is also known as the Constitution Route, a few dozen miles of National Scenic Byway that pass by the homes of three of America's Founding Fathers and presidents. In the 1800s, Route 20 was known as the "Road of the Presidents" because it came close to the homes of James Madison, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson. The highway passes close to the historical presidential retreat Pine Knot and Christ Church Glendower.
The Constitution Route, stretching from Charlottesville to Orange, is a gorgeous drive on good roads. The driving is moderately challenging in some sections, and there are plenty of places to pull over for photos or road trip supplies. The route passes through idyllic villages and rolling hills on the way to Charlottesville, with scenery including dense forests, green pastures, flowering stands of Dogwood and Redbud, the broad Piedmont plateau, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Journey through Hallowed Ground is a four-state region that forms a crescent around Washington, DC, from Charlottesville north to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was named a National Heritage Area by Congress in 2008.
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It is a Virginia Byway
State Route 20 (SR 20) is a primary state highway in Virginia. The state highway runs for approximately 89.79 miles (144.50 km) from U.S. Route 15 (US 15) in Dillwyn north to SR 3 in Wilderness. SR 20 is a C-shaped route that connects Charlottesville with Farmville (via US 15) in Southside Virginia. The state highway also links Charlottesville to Fredericksburg (via SR 3) by way of Orange County, within which SR 20 is the main east–west highway. SR 20 is a Virginia Byway from Scottsville to Orange.
SR 20 begins at an intersection with US 15 (James Madison Highway) just west of the town of Dillwyn. The state highway heads north as the two-lane undivided Constitution Route, which passes through the hamlet of Allenslevel, the site of Buckingham Correctional Center. SR 20 crosses the Slate River and passes through the community of Centenary on its way through northwestern Buckingham County to its crossing of the James River. On the north side of the bridge, the state highway enters the town of Scottsville, through which the highway passes as Valley Street. SR 20 meets SR 6 (Main Street) in the center of town.
The Virginia Byway, SR 20, passes through picturesque villages and rolling hills on the way to Charlottesville. The route offers stunning views of dense forests, green pastures, flowering stands of Dogwood and Redbud, the broad Piedmont plateau, and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. The road is known as the "Road of the Presidents" as it passes close to the homes of Madison, Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson.
The Constitution Route is not just a beautiful drive but also a journey through America's history. It is part of the larger Journey through Hallowed Ground, as featured in National Geographic's Drives of a Lifetime. The route starts in Charlottesville, home to Thomas Jefferson's University of Virginia, and includes stops at Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Montpelier—the homes of America's Founding Fathers and presidents.
SR 20 continues through southern Albemarle County as Scottsville Road. The state highway heads through Glendower, where the highway passes close to the historical presidential retreat Pine Knot and Christ Church Glendower. In the city of Charlottesville, SR 20 continues onto four-lane divided 9th Street, crossing over CSX's Piedmont Subdivision into downtown. SR 20 turns east onto US 250 to cross the Free Bridge over the Rivanna River, leaving the city.
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It is a challenging drive in some sections
The Constitution Route, also known as Virginia State Route 20 (SR 20), is a challenging drive in some sections. It is a primary state highway that runs 89.79 miles (144.50 km) from U.S. Route 15 (US 15) in Dillwyn north to SR 3 in Wilderness. The highway passes through scenic areas and historic sites, offering a beautiful drive but also presenting some driving challenges.
One of the challenges of driving on the Constitution Route is the varying road conditions. While some sections of the route have good roads, others can be quite narrow and winding. The road begins as a two-lane undivided highway at its intersection with US 15 and continues through rural areas and small communities. As it approaches more populated areas, such as Charlottesville, the road expands to four lanes, providing a more typical highway driving experience. However, even on these wider sections, drivers should be cautious and follow the posted speed limits, as sharp curves and unexpected obstacles can make the drive challenging.
The natural scenery and historic landmarks along the Constitution Route are undoubtedly captivating, but they can also be a source of distraction for drivers. The route passes through idyllic villages, rolling hills, dense forests, and vibrant wildflower displays in the spring. It also takes drivers past the homes of three of America's Founding Fathers: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison. These plantation homes, including Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Montpelier, are significant tourist attractions. However, the stunning vistas and the temptation to spot these historical sites can take a driver's attention off the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
In addition to the natural and historical distractions, the Constitution Route can also present challenges due to varying speed limits and intersecting roads. As the route passes through different jurisdictions and communities, the speed limits can change frequently, requiring drivers to be vigilant and adapt their speed accordingly. Additionally, the route intersects with multiple other highways and roads, such as US 15, US 250, and SR 6, requiring drivers to be aware of merging traffic and potential congestion points. These intersections can be busy and complex, demanding drivers' full attention to navigate safely.
While the Constitution Route offers a captivating journey through Virginia's history and natural beauty, it is essential for drivers to stay focused and cautious. The varying road conditions, distractions from the scenery and landmarks, and the need to navigate multiple intersections and speed limit changes make it a challenging drive in some sections. However, with careful planning, adherence to traffic rules, and occasional stops to admire the views and take photos, drivers can safely enjoy the unique experience of travelling along the Constitution Route.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution Route is a few dozen miles of National Scenic Byway that passes by the homes of three of America's Founding Fathers and presidents.
The Constitution Route passes through the hamlet of Allenslevel, the site of Buckingham Correctional Center, and the community of Centenary. It also passes through Charlottesville, Scottsville, and Orange.
The scenery along the Constitution Route includes idyllic villages, rolling hills, dense forests, green pastures, flowering stands of Dogwood and Redbud, the Piedmont plateau, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In the 1800s, the Constitution Route was known as the "Road of the Presidents" because it came close to the homes of Madison, Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson. It was the first road in Albemarle County to be paved using state funds in 1921.
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