Biography

The Range is part of the original University of Virginia grounds designed by Thomas Jefferson. Fifty-two rooms comprise the Range Community, which run parallel to the Lawn in rows, housing accomplished graduate students to represent their colleges. In keeping with the University's tradition of student self-governance, leadership is chosen from amongst themselves. There are six "hotels" on the Range, three on each side. Originally used as dining facilities, the hotels today include a number of administrative office spaces as well as the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society. Previous Range residents who have become well-known include Edgar Allan Poe (13 W. Range) and Woodrow Wilson (31 W. Range). During his residence, Poe allegedly etched his initials into a pane of window glass– a pane that has since been shattered. Visitors to the Range can peer inside Poe's room, which is maintained by the Raven Society, and listen to a brief recording that describes Poe's time at the University. In addition, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity maintains 47 W. Range where it was founded on March 1, 1868.