Highland, Home of President James Monroe
An Important stop on the tour of Virginia Presidential Homes
If you’re a history buff traveling near Charlottesville, you’re obviously going to want to stop and explore Thomas Jefferson’s famous Monticello. Along with your Jefferson jaunt, how about a visit to the home of Jefferson’s good friend James Monroe? Highland was the official residence of the United States’ fifth president and his wife from 1799 to 1823. Today, “Ash Lawn-Highland is both an historic site and an events venue, continuing Monroe’s tradition of welcoming friends, neighbors, dignitaries, and visitors from around the globe” (AshLawnHighland.org).
You are certainly one of these friends welcome to visit Monroe’s beautiful estate. Take a 35-minute house tour where you’ll learn more in-depth information about Monroe and his involvement with the American Revolution, the Louisiana Purchase, the Missouri Compromise, and the Monroe Doctrine. (We all learned these things at school at one point or another, but history never comes to life quite like when you’re visiting the sites of the past.) The tour also includes a showcase of the Monroes’ furnishings from the 18th and 19th century, so if you’re an admirer of antiques, you’ll find yourself fascinated. Once you’ve explored the grounds, pay a visit to the museum shop with its “new line of books, Monroe memorabilia, and early nineteenth-century style keepsakes.”
Touring, browsing, and shopping aren’t the only activities offered at Highland. You also have the opportunity to attend various events throughout the year. Enjoy a wide variety of annual events with everything from the Virginia Festival of the Book to the Field Day and James Monroe 5k Run. Upcoming events include Silhouettes by Studio Zero Photography on February 7, 2015 and a “Monroe and the Crises of Slavery” lecture on February 11, 2014, so be sure to mark your calendars.
And of course, you’ll need a place to rest your head before and after a visit to Highland, and Afton Mountain B&B happens to be only half an hour away. Our rooms await your arrival.
