Prominent personalities

* **Thomas Jefferson** – 3rd U.S. President, author of the Declaration of Independence, and founder of the University of Virginia. * **James Monroe** – 5th U.S. President, whose historic estate, Highland, is adjacent to Monticello. * **Dave Matthews** – Grammy-winning musician who formed the Dave Matthews Band in Charlottesville in 1991. * **Edgar Allan Poe** – Legendary author and poet who briefly attended the University of Virginia; his dorm room is preserved on the campus. * **Tina Fey** – Acclaimed comedian, writer, and actress who is an alumna of the University of Virginia. * **John Grisham** – Best-selling author who maintains a residence in the Charlottesville area and is active in the local community. * **Rob Lowe** – Actor, director, and producer who was born in Charlottesville. * **Coran Capshaw** – Music industry executive, founder of Red Light Management, and influential local real estate developer.