Tour Virginia's Presidential & Historic Homes
One of the best ways to explore Virginia's extensive past is to step into its historic homes.
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 and eight in all — more than any other state.
Considered the “Mother of Presidents," Virginia claims Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. These prominent Virginians resided in multiple homes across the state, many preserved to look much like they did when the presidents lived here.
In addition, the homes of many other historic Virginians make for an illuminating stops on your trip. Here are some significant estates and manors around Virginia that are open to tours.
Virginia Governor's Mansion — Richmond
Virginia boasts the oldest occupied Governor’s home in the United States, and you can tour it for free. Visit the Executive Mansion Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (subject to change) for a tour. For parties of more than 30 people, reach out to make a reservation.
Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site — Richmond
The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site commemorates the life of the prominent business, community, and civil rights leader. Despite many adversities, she achieved success in the world of business and finance as the first woman in the United States to found and serve as president of a bank.
Agecroft Hall — Richmond
Agecroft Hall is a 15th century English manor house that was dismantled and brought to Richmond, Virginia in 1926. Museum tours highlight the original 16th-century paneling, a magnificent window bearing the ancient coat of arms, period furniture, paintings, and unique musical instruments.
John Marshall House — Richmond
John Marshall a Founding Father and fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, built what is now known as the John Marshall House in 1790 and made it his home for forty-five years.
Historic Shirley — Charles City
Historic Shirley has been continuously owned and operated by twelve generations of the same family since 1638. The historic site is Virginia's first plantation (1613), America's oldest family-owned business and farm (1638), and one of the first economic engines of the New World.
Swannanoa Palace — Afton
Major James Dooley, an executive with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company, completed construction of the $2 million Swannanoa Palace in 1912. Dooley built this 52-room marble palace as a token of love for his wife, Sally May. More than 300 artisans were hired to create the palace as a replica of the Villa de Medici in Rome.
Carlyle House — Alexandria
The historic Carlyle House was completed in 1753 by British merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, member of one of the most prestigious families in colonial Virginia. Visitors can take a tour of the Georgian home and gardens.
Oatlands — Leesburg
Built in 1804 by George Carter, a member of one of Virginia's first families, Oatlands was a plantation until the Civil War. In the 20th century, Oatlands became the country estate of the politically prominent Eustis family of Washington.
Sutherlin Mansion — Danville
Now home to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts, Sutherlin Mansion is an Italian villa-style estate built in the late 1850s. In the final days of the Civil War, the mansion housed Jefferson Davis after he fled Richmond. He wrote his "Last Proclamation to the Confederacy" at Sutherlin.
Patsy Cline's Home — Winchester
Country music legend Patsy Cline (1932-63) lived in this Winchester home from the ages of 16 to 21, when she married Gerald Cline. She resided in this home longer than any other associated with her in Winchester or Nashville, and she returned intermittently until her singing career began in 1957.
Long Branch Historic House and Farm — Millwood
Robert Carter Burwell built Long Branch in 1811 with the advice of Benjamin Latrobe, one of the architects of the United States Capitol. Today, Long Branch Historic House and Farm offers tours of the house and opens its grounds to the public.
Stratford Hall — Westmoreland
The birthplace of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Stratford Hall is a 1900 acre estate comprised of farmland, forests, nature trails, and formal gardens, with bluffs overlooking the Potomac River. The house dates to the 1730s and was also the boyhood home of Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the only brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence.
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