"I write to you from a place, 90 miles from Monticello, near the New London of this state, which I visit three or four times a year. I stay from a fortnight to a month at a time."
-Thomas Jefferson
I live three miles from Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's summer retreat located in Forest, Virginia. This is one of my favorite local destinations and it will be re-opening to the public April 1, 2009. The Poplar Forest estate originally consisted of over 4800 acres. Today, there are 50 remaining acres and the subdivision of Poplar Forest and the Poplar Forest Golf Course surround the property. The property is noted on land records as far back as 1745. Construction on the octagonal shaped home wasn't started until 1806.
You'll notice many similarities to Monticello though Poplar Forest is not furnished. For almost 200 years the house had been used as a family home. By 1980 when the home was purchased, it had fallen into disrepair. In 1984 the nonprofit Corporation for Jefferson's Poplar Forest was formed and raised enough money to purchase the property. It opened to the public for tours in 1986. This is a popular local field trip destination, there are a lot of hands on activities for kids.
For more information on hours and admission or to set up a tour, please visit: POPLAR FOREST
GPS Address for Poplar Forest
1548 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, VA 24551
If you would like more information about the communities of Forest or Lynchburg, Virginia, please visit my website at or call me at (434) 546-0369
This is one of those hidden treasures that Virginia has to offer!
That's so cool! In our area, we have the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller. It's a museum now. But I love it when history is preserved. We've lost so many historical buildings, because it was easier to tear them down, than to restore them. I'm glad they kept this one to be enjoyed in your area.
Cindy, Poplar Forest is a fascinating place to visit and well preserved. We are fortunate to have such historical sites in Virginia. Thanks for commenting.
Lisa, I'm glad so much has been preserved in the area, many old buildings in downtown Lynchburg have been brought back to life. I love visiting historical sites and we'll be in Florida next month, I'll have to start looking at places to go. Thanks for stopping by.
Dear Debbie,
I have always wanted to visit Poplar Forest! I need to get around to it!
Barbara
Barbara, you are so close by, let me know the next time you'll be in the Lynchburg area. We need to meet up!
Wow!
I never knew Jefferson had this home. That is really neat!
Trey, this is a wonderful place; the house is small in comparison to Monticello, but similar in architecture. I love history great sites like these that are so close by. Thanks for commenting.
Howdy there Debbie
Glad this peace of history, is being taken care of now. Way to many place's have been let to run down, and taken down.