Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest

One of only two homes Thomas Jefferson designed for his personal use, his Poplar Forest retreat was the place where Jefferson “came to indulge in the life of the mind and renew his personal creativity.” Designated a National Historic Landmark, and nearly lost to development, the Poplar Forest plantation was rescued in 1984. Today, the neoclassical architecture of the octagonal house has been returned to Mr. Jefferson’s design. A visit to Poplar Forest offers a unique opportunity to observe a “live” archaeological dig and historic restoration in progress, as efforts to reveal and restore Thomas Jefferson’s vision for his personal retreat continue.

Poplar Forest is open daily from March 15 through December 30 (closed on Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM (last tour leaving at 4:00 PM) and Winter Weekends starting January 21 through March 12 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM (last tour leaving at 3:00 PM). For more information, visit poplarforest.org or call 434.525.1806.