James Monroe’s Highland

Formerly known as Ash Lawn, James Monroe’s Highland boasts a newly revamped guided tour featuring a collection of eighteenth and nineteenth-century furnishings. Many of these artifacts were originals of the Monroe family, providing an equate level of authenticity. With a presidential guest house, self-guided outbuildings, and gardens and grounds, there is plenty to explore at Highland. Come see the property once owned by the fifth President of the United States.

A humble figure, James Monroe played a crucial role in many of our nation’s accomplishments. Before graduating from the College of William and Mary, Monroe dropped out to join the American Revolution. After shedding blood and rising through military ranks, Monroe proved his dedication to American independence. Later, Monroe successfully negotiated the Louisiana Purchase with Thomas Jefferson and demonstrated his underrated political vigor. By working behind the scenes in pursing the Missouri Compromise, securing U.S. borders, and issuing the first American hemisphere-wide foreign policy statement known as the Monroe Doctrine, James Monroe left his legacy on Virginia and United States history.

As a great proponent of France, Monroe featured combined his passion for his own nation with French influence. The house features numerous French-inspired items, including dish wear, a clock, and a bust of Napoleon Bonaparte given to Monroe by the Emperor himself. Whether returning from a day at Monticello or looking for another scenic site near Jefferson Vineyards, James Monroe’s Highland provides an additional worthwhile stop on the Virginia presidents tour.

James Monroe’s story is only one aspect of Highland. Enslaved women and men lived on the property for several generations, and had deeper connections to this place than did Monroe, who was often away in public office. Like other plantation owners and members of the founding generation, Monroe enslaved as many as 250 enslaved persons in his lifetime. He freed only one: Peter Marks, who was manumitted during the last days of Monroe’s life.

Guests can learn more about the enslaved workers at Highland through the drop-in program Slavery at Highland, offered during the months of April through October, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays. Slavery at Highland offers a discussion of historic slavery in the United States with a special focus on the men, women, and children enslaved at Highland. Visitors can browse images and historic documents while discussing slavery and its legacies with a specially trained museum interpreter. We invite you to visit and learn more about the past—from a variety of perspectives.