Officials at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello said tourism hit a three-decade low in 2007.

Monticello officials said Monday that higher gas prices and a ho-hum foliage season probably were to blame for the attraction's decline in visitors.

Last year, Monticello had 441,739 visitors, down more than 8,500 from the previous year.

In 2002, visitation dipped blow 500,000 for the first time since 1981, and the numbers have sputtered since then.

With the cost of a ticket averaging $11, Monticello will see about a $95,000 decline in revenue.

The nonprofit foundation primarily raises revenue through private fundraising and ticket and retail sales.