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
Friday Field Days with Poplar Forest Archaeology March 22, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Bedford County
Join the Poplar Forest Archaeology and Landscapes Department every Friday from March 22-May 31 at 1:30 p.m. for an in-depth look into their current ex... Read More
Restoration Behind the Scenes ToursMay 17, 2024 - May 18, 2024
Bedford County
Forty years ago, the octagonal villa at Poplar Forest looked quite different than it does today. Since 1989, using Jefferson’s documents and letters... Read More
The Day is Past and GoneMay 24, 2024 - May 25, 2024
Bedford County
Playwright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s south lawn for two performances only. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men... Read More
Independence Day CelebrationJuly 04, 2024 - July 04, 2024
Bedford County
Thomas Jefferson held July 4th as “the only birthday I ever commemorate…” Bring your family and friends out to Poplar Forest, his Bedford County... 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
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
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