James Monroe’s Highland, Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia has often been the territory of Thomas Jefferson, the drafter of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. His home, Monticello, sits on top of a mountain. It is a National Landmark and is the only home of a U.S. President that is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thomas Jefferson also founded the University of Virginia located in Charlottesville itself, and it is famous for its library with its famous rotunda. Thomas Jefferson also established vineyards in the region making it the oldest wine region in the United States. Many people see Charlottesville as the city of Thomas Jefferson, but there is another Virginia native who became a U.S. President who also had a residence in Charlottesville.
Welcome to Highland, the home of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States of America, Governor of Virginia, and Secretary of State under James Madison. Although James Monroe was born east of Charlottesville and was more associated with Fredericksburg, he too had a home in Charlottesville that was a short distance from Monticello, and when it comes to style, Highland pales to Monticello’s grandeur. Despite that, it was James Monroe’s home.
James Monroe lived here between political appointments from 1799 to 1823 with his wife and family plus enslaved men, women, and children. As you visit, you will see… the guest house. What? You read correctly. The original home burned down, and you can see the location where the original home once stood. The property was named ‘Highland’ by James Monroe, but it was given the name ‘Ash Lawn’ by a later owner. The historic property was known as ‘Ash Lawn Highland’ until 2016. It was changed back to ‘Highland’ to reflect the time period interpreted at the museum in a more accurate way.
Some of you are saying, “This is a great story, but is it really worth visiting a guest house?”
Oh, yes. This place has many stories to tell. The house has the original furnishings that are original to the family. The tour guides will also tell you the rich history of the property which was a plantation with some of the outbuildings to include the overseer’s house, smokehouse, and the quarters for the enslaved families. Please note that the structures are original and are not wheelchair accessible.
James Monroe’s ‘Highland’ is a part of the College of William and Mary, where James Monroe was educated. It is located at 2050 James Monroe Parkway in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is a short drive from Monticello and Interstate 64. You can get more information about Highland at https://highland.org/.