Ash Lawn - Highland
Albemarle Co, VA
Home of
President James Monroe

Ash Lawn sits just a short distance down the road from Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home.  Its amazing to think that two men who were President of the United States were actually extremely close neighbors.  The day we visited Monticello left very little time for Ash Lawn.  The tour was guided and we didn't have that amount of time remaining.  The house and grounds were hidden in most part from non-paying guests by massive shrubbery shields.  A telescopic lens allowed the only view of the house and grounds we were allowed.

This estate was the home of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States.  In 1793 James and Elizabeth Kortright Monroe purchased 1000 acres adjoining Jefferson's Monticello.  Called Highland, the plantation eventually totaling 3,500 acres was their principal residence from 1799 to 1823.  Known in foreign affairs for the Monroe Doctrine, James Monroe also served as Governor of Virginia for four one-year terms;  U. S. Minister to England, France and Spain;  U. S. Senator; and Secretary of State and War.  Enlarged and renamed by subsequent owners, Ash Lawn - Highland is now owned by Monroe's alma mater, the College of William and Mary.