Exploring Virginia’s History: Hamilton & the Virginian Presidents

As the first, largest, and most prosperous of the British colonies in America, Virginia provided four of the first five presidents of the United States — eight in all, more than any other state. The Broadway musical "Hamilton" includes the frequent interactions Alexander Hamilton had with notable Virginians George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, as well as how Hamilton's travels in Virginia influenced the country for centuries to come. 

Don't throw away your shot to follow Alexander Hamilton’s story one step further with a visit to presidential homes and iconic historic sites in Virginia. We have a feeling you'll be satisfied with the offerings. 

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello—Charlottesville

No other home in the United States more accurately reflects the personality of its owner than Monticello. The autobiographical masterpiece of Thomas Jefferson was designed and redesigned and built and rebuilt for more than 40 years. Its gardens were a botanic showpiece, a source of food, and an experimental laboratory of ornamental and useful plants from around the world. After touring Jefferson’s Monticello, explore the rich cultural, natural, and artistic history of Charlottesville, showcased in a selection of first-rate museums, galleries, wineries, shops, and parks.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon—Mount Vernon

George Washington's Mount Vernon includes not only the Mansion of George and Martha Washington, but also a host of colonial era buildings, beautiful gardens, a working distillery, gristmill, and a gift shop stacked with a wide range of Washington-inspired wares. While you’re in the Northern Virginia area, stop by a few of the wineries, breweries, and distilleries surrounding the area, then spend an afternoon shopping and dining on culinary delights in Old Town Alexandria.

James Madison’s Montpelier—Montpelier Station

Montpelier, the lifelong home of James Madison and his beloved wife Dolley, is one of the most significant and authentic architectural restorations ever achieved in the United States. Don’t miss "The Mere Distinction of Colour," a groundbreaking exhibition that looks at how slavery shaped our history, connecting our painful past to the present issues facing America. Montpelier is located just four miles south of Virginia’s Foothills, so after your tour of the presidential estate, step into wine country and experience the undiscovered oasis of rural sophistication, world-class chefs, hoteliers, winemakers, and farm-to-table proprietors.

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown—Yorktown

Hamilton achieved military glory in Virginia’s Historic Triangle during the American Revolution. Walk in his footsteps for a taste of the exciting drama at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and see where American independence was won at the Yorktown Battlefield. Get a guided tour of the grounds, administered by the National Park Service as part of the Colonial National Historical Park.

Bonus: Extend your Historic Triangle stay with visits to Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestowne.