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James Monroe's Highland, Charlottesville

4.2

#3 of 8 in Historic Sites in Charlottesville

Historic Site Tourist Spot

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Once the private home of James Monroe, the country's fifth president, James Monroe's Highland is now a working farm, museum, and a performing arts venue open to the public year-round. Monroe and his family purchased the property in 1793 and lived in the modest house until personal debt forced them to sell the entire estate in 1825. To see just how this American president lived away from the public eye, join a short tour of the house, which contains a collection of original Monroe family furnishings. You can also visit Thomas Jefferson's famous "Monticello" plantation--visible from the Monroe house porch--by purchasing a discounted combination ticket for both historic sites. Check online for opening hours and tour rates. Make James Monroe's Highland a centerpiece of your Charlottesville vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Charlottesville trip builder tool.

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James Monroe's Highland Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

910 reviews

Google

4.5

facebook

4.7

5 likes

• By k_bissette

  Took a tour today of the grounds and guest house. The original home burned and only the foundation is visible. The guest house is set up with original pieces of furniture from Monroe’s home. Our...  more »

• By Carly M

  We enjoyed visiting James Monroe's Highlands. It is a shame that he doesn't get more credit for his place in history. Maybe he didn't have all the money like Thomas Jefferson had but he had a nice...  more »

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Google

• By Dan Gustafson

  Small but well done. As others have posted, it is NOT his home (which burned down around 1830). However, it does show the foundations of the original home and a guest house he had built. Lots of original furnishings paintings, dishes, etc. Not as majestic as Mount Vernon, Montpelier or Monticello but a nice stop for a walk and a tour. Staff and guide were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. An enjoyable few hours.

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• By Chloe Zimmerman

  I will echo with a lot of other reviewer‘s have said; it’s definitely an enjoyable visit, but probably not that exciting if you’ve just come from Monticello. It’s also important to note that James Monroe‘s home is no longer standing, and this is just a tour of the grounds and a guest house that he built. For those who love history, it’s still definitely worth a visit. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. But if you want to be wowed you may not feel like it was worth the stop.

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