James Monroe's Highland


This historic site was the home of James Monroe (the fifth US president) and his wife Elizabeth from 1799 to 1823; recent excavations have identified the archaeological remains of the Monroes' 1799 house. Tours of the 1818 Presidential guesthouse and of surrounding outbuildings take 40 minutes. Note that some road signs refer to the property as 'Ash Lawn.'


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Jefferson Vineyards

0.87 MILES

Located between Monticello and James Monroe's Highland, this winery harvests from its namesake's original 1774 vineyard site. It also hosts outdoor…

2. Monticello

1.93 MILES

The house at Monticello is an architectural masterpiece designed and inhabited by Thomas Jefferson, founding father and third US president, who spent 40…

3. Blenheim Vineyards

4.22 MILES

Blenheim is owned by musician Dave Matthews, who in some ways – what with his folkie-preppie vibe and eternal gap-year sunniness, and the fact that he…

4. University of Virginia

4.5 MILES

Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia, and designed what he called an 'Academical Village' embodying the spirit of communal living and…

5. Rotunda

4.5 MILES

The centerpiece of UVA is the Jefferson-designed Rotunda, modelled after Rome's Pantheon and constructed between 1822 and 1832. It has always functioned…

6. Fralin Art Museum

4.64 MILES

Known for Jean Arp's huge Oriform sculpture (1977), which commands attention in front of the museum, the UVA's art gallery stages temporary exhibitions on…

7. Pippin Hill

11.28 MILES

Wonderful views over the rolling plateau of the Piedmont await you at this exemplar of sustainable viticulture. The restaurant has an unapologetically…

8. Our Lady of the Angels

13.06 MILES

The cows living near this secluded, verdant and peaceful Trappist monastery must be happy – their milk is so sweet that the nuns at the monastery are…