Mother of Presidents

Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents" with eight presidents born in the Commonwealth. Four of the first five presidents called Virginia home. This exhibit will explore the lives of these men and the places where they lived.

Mount Vernon was originally built in 1735 by Washington's father, Augustine. George took ownership in 1754 and built it from a simple farmhouse into a 21-room dwelling over the course of forty-five years. This insurance policy from 1805 shows the valuation of the home after George Washington's expansion. 

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was the country's third president. Born at Shadwell, in Albemarle County, Jefferson had a long record of service to his country. Before becoming president in 1801, he served in the House of Burgesses, and as governor of Virginia (1779-1781), minister to France (1784-1789), secretary of state (1790-1793), and vice-president (1797-1801). Like Washington, Jefferson served two terms as president (1801-1809). 

Jefferson said, "I am as happy no where else and in no other society, and all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello."

James Madison (1751-1836) was the fourth president of the United States. A native of King George County, Madison served in the Virginia General Assembly and as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He was Secretary of State under Jefferson and served two terms as president (1809-1817). 

Today, Montpelier is restored to the era of Madison's retirement, between 1816-1836.

James Monroe (1758-1831), the fifth president, was born in Westmoreland County. Twice governor of Virginia, Monroe served in various diplomatic posts and as secretary of state and secretary of war before becoming president in 1817. He served two terms as president (1817-1825), with his second election running unopposed, the only president aside from Washington to do so. A single elector from New Hampshire cast a vote for John Quincy Adams to prevent a unanimous vote in the Electoral College.  

Highland was James Monroe's home in Albemarle County. A later owner named it Ash Lawn. Today, the property is run by the College of William & Mary. 

In addition to Highland, Monroe also lived for twenty-two years at Oak Hill in Loudon County. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Berkeley is the birthplace of William Henry Harrison and the ancestral home of another president, Benjamin Harrison.  Berkeley claims to have held the first official Thanksgiving in America in 1619. 

John Tyler was born here in 1790; three miles from his retirement residence at Sherwood Forest Plantation.

Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), the twelfth president, was born in Orange County, Virginia but grew up in Kentucky. He won fame during the Mexican War for his victories at Palo Alto, Monterrey, and Buena Vista. Inaugurated president on March 5, 1849, Taylor served only sixteen months before dying on July 9, 1850. 

Montebello is the birthplace of Zachary Taylor located in Orange County. It is a private residence and not open to the public.

Though Woodrow Wilson left Virginia after his first birthday, he visited relatives often. His birthplace is now home to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum and a National Historic Landmark.