Jefferson remodeled Monticello extensively in the 1790s. In his bedroom he added a skylight and a partition wall to form a bed alcove below and a closet above. The closet was reached by a steep stair or ladder. The elliptical openings in the closet provided light and ventilation. More information about Jefferson’s Bedroom is available in this section of the Web site, and in the “I Rise . . .With the Sun” chapter in the “Jefferson” section.