Thomas Jefferson owned property in Bedford County called Poplar Forest beginning in 1773. When the British invaded Virginia, they set out to capture Jefferson who was Governor at the time. Jefferson moved the government from Richmond to Charlottesville in 1781, but was in imminent danger of capture. A local man, Jack Jouett overheard British officers discussing their plan at a local tavern and set off in the night to warn Jefferson at Monticello. Upon hearing the British were well on their way to Monticello, he and his family escaped to Poplar Forest in Bedford, staying on the grounds for two months.
Jefferson's CuriositiesThomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at the house he deemed "the best dwelling house in the state" as we delve into topics he... Read More
Roots and Reconnection Festival Join the Poplar Forest’s African American Advisory Group, interpretation and archaeology staff, and the Board of Directors for the Roots and Re... Read More
Naturalization CeremonyJoin Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to witness a Nat... Read More
Archaeology Behind the Scenes ToursTours offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thomas Jefferson would surely be... Read More
Fall Harvest DinnerOne of America's first foodies, Thomas Jefferson had a taste for fine wines and gourmet foods. Join the president, as portrayed by actor Bill Barker, ... Read More
Fall Harvest DinnerOne of America's first foodies, Thomas Jefferson had a taste for fine wines and gourmet foods. Join the president, as portrayed by actor Bill Barker, ... Read More
Fall Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival Eat, drink, shop and explore a gem of American history when the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival returns to Thomas Jefferson's south lawn. Join Poplar F... Read More
Holiday Candlelight ToursCelebrate the advent of the Christmas season in Jeffersonian style at Poplar Forest. Explore the president's cherished hideaway by candlelight on this... Read More
Holiday Candlelight ToursCelebrate the advent of the Christmas season in Jeffersonian style at Poplar Forest. Explore the president's cherished hideaway by candlelight on this... Read More
Daytime Holiday ToursTours offered on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. Enjoy Poplar Forest decked out for the holidays on this special daytime tour that focuses on holiday ... Read More
Holiday Candlelight Wine DinnerDinners held on December 13 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. Step back in time to experience the magic of Christmas past at a seated holiday dinner in Thomas Jeff... Read More