Thomas Jefferson began construction of his university on October 6, 1817.Construction started with Pavilion VII and ended with the Rotunda in 1826.The majority of the work at the University was done by a group of at least 32 slaves. These slaves were hired from local Charlottesville residents. In addition to these slaves, various free blacks were hired.William Spinner became the first free black to be officially hired by U.Va. as a janitor in 1825, when the University opened its doors.
Thomas Jefferson had decided in 1824 that students would not be able to have slaves while in school. He was worried that if students brought their slaves with them it would encourage despotism. Students bypassed this rule by housing their slaves in Charlottesville and meeting them everyday at the boundary of Grounds to issue instructions for the coming day.
In 1832, the University bought its first slave, Lewis Commodore, for $580. This was the first instance of a public university owning a slave. He worked as a janitor and bell ringer. Henry Martin, a free black man and former slave of Thomas Jefferson, later served in this same position for 53 years.
By 1835, the University owned one slave for every 20 students.These servants cleaned the students' rooms and clothes.Many of these slaves lived in the Venable Community, which was founded in 1833. This community thrived in the land across the street from Old Cabell Hall. In 1840, the Board of Visitors passed a resolution allowing professors to house their slaves in the damp cellars beneath the Pavilions.
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