Bedford County
About
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.
Local Events
Face the Forest 5K Obstacle Course RunAugust 17, 2024 - August 17, 2024
Bedford County
Join Poplar Forest for the 12th annual Face the Forest Obstacle Course 5K! Challenge yourself to beat the clock as you take on a 3.1-mile obstacle rac... Read More
Roots and Reconnection: Celebrating Our StorySeptember 14, 2024 - September 14, 2024
Bedford County
Join Poplar Forest’s African American Advisory Group, interpretation and archaeology staff, and the Board of Directors to celebrate, recognize and r... Read More
Roots and Reconnection: Celebrating Our StorySeptember 14, 2024 - September 14, 2024
Bedford County
Join Poplar Forest’s African American Advisory Group, interpretation and archaeology staff, and the Board of Directors to celebrate, recognize and r... Read More
Naturalization CeremonySeptember 17, 2024 - September 17, 2024
Bedford County
Join Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (SDAR) to witness a Na... Read More
Poplar Forest Naturalization CeremonySeptember 17, 2024 - September 17, 2024
Bedford County
Join Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest to witness a Naturalization Ceremony welcoming new American citizens in honor of Constitution Day, the day in ... Read More
Archaeology Behind the Scenes ToursOctober 11, 2024 - October 12, 2024
Bedford County
TOURS ARE OCTOBER 11TH AND 12TH AT 11 A.M. AND 2 P.M. EACH DAY. An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thom... Read More
Archaeology Behind the Scenes ToursOctober 11, 2024 - October 12, 2024
Bedford County
TOURS ARE OCTOBER 11TH AND 12TH AT 11 A.M. AND 2 P.M. EACH DAY. An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thom... Read More
Fall Harvest DinnerOctober 19, 2024 - October 19, 2024
Bedford County
One 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 Dinner October 19, 2024 - October 19, 2024
Bedford County
One 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
Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival November 09, 2024 - November 09, 2024
Bedford County
Eat, drink, shop and explore a gem of American history when the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival returns to Mr. Jefferson’s south lawn. Join Poplar Fo... Read More
Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival November 09, 2024 - November 09, 2024
Bedford County
Eat, drink, shop and explore a gem of American history when the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival returns to Mr. Jefferson’s south lawn. Join Poplar Fo... Read More
Holiday Candlelight ToursDecember 05, 2024 - December 20, 2024
Bedford County
Tours are December 5, 6, 7, 13, 19, and 20 at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the advent of the Christmas season in Jeffersonian style at Poplar... Read More
Daytime Holiday ToursDecember 14, 2024 - December 21, 2024
Bedford County
Tours are December 14, 19, and 21 at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy Poplar Forest decked out for the holidays on this special daytime tour that focuses on holida... Read More
Candlelight Wine DinnersDecember 14, 2024 - December 21, 2024
Bedford County
Dinners are December 14th and 21st at 6:30 p.m. Step back in time to experience the magic of Christmas past at a seated holiday dinner in Thomas Je... Read More