Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest

During the Revolutionary War in 1781, Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson fled to Poplar Forest from Monticello to evade capture from British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Jefferson and his family spent two months at this retreat in the overseer's house, as construction on the octagonal house that still stands did not begin until 1806. 

Following his Presidency and retirement from public life, Jefferson and his family retreated to Poplar Forest, sometimes staying from two weeks to two months at a time. Poplar Forest was a working plantation that Jefferson largely managed remotely. The enslaved community at Poplar Forest forcibly labored to farm crops, tend livestock, carry out domestic duties, or perform trades.

Today, this National Historical Landmark reflects on the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson and the free and enslaved people who formed the community at Poplar Forest.