The Conservation Fund Poised To Preserve U.S. President Monroe’s Oak Hill Home

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA — The Conservation Fund announced today its intention to permanently conserve the historic 1,200-acre estate of former President James Monroe. If realized as envisioned, the plans would preserve for generations to come the only privately owned home of a Founding Father.

Oak Hill, located in northern Virginia’s Loudon County, boasts forestland, open fields and historic lands in addition to its well-preserved mansion. The expansive lands hold immense cultural and historical significance — and select portions are perfectly positioned to provide new outdoor recreation opportunities. With timely support from the General Assembly, Oak Hill is poised to become a state park that offers hiking, fishing, equestrian trails and a rich cultural experience.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to conserve a gem of presidential legacy and open space. We must seize this moment and work together to protect our common heritage,” said Heather Richards, The Conservation Fund’s vice president and mid-Atlantic regional director. “The Conservation Fund looks forward to working with the Youngkin Administration and the General Assembly to bring to fruition this shared vision for, and investment in, our community.”

Monroe acquired the land in 1794 and completed construction of the peaceful retreat 40 miles west of Washington, D.C, in 1823. Monroe’s most enduring legacy during his residence at Oak Hill was the Monroe Doctrine, delivered to Congress in 1823, which declared European non-interference in the Western Hemisphere and remains a cornerstone of American foreign policy. After two terms as president, Monroe retired to Oak Hill, where he farmed, wrote his autobiography, and hosted guests.

Beyond its architectural beauty and historic importance, Oak Hill holds untold stories of enslaved African Americans and indigenous peoples who lived and worked on the land. It also contains remnants of early mechanized agricultural systems.

Oak Hill is today owned by the DeLashmutt family, who after more than seven decades of ownership are ready to share the property with the public. Family members are working with The Conservation Fund to ensure the land’s preservation.

“It’s an important place to our family, because it’s been the family home for over 70 years. But we’ve always known that it’s bigger than us,” said Gayle DeLashmutt. “There is so much history here, of all kinds. We’ve always felt that responsibility, and we tried to take the care that it deserves, and we made a point of welcoming people who wanted to come and see it — gardeners, history buffs, paleontologists, students. The whole family is thrilled to find new stewards who will not just protect Oak Hill, but share it.”

The Conservation Fund is coordinating the acquisition of the property and actively raising funds to both acquire Oak Hill and provide an endowment for its long-term stewardship and maintenance. Critical financial support has emerged in recent weeks, and a strong plan is in place to secure the additional funding still needed to forever preserve Oak Hill.

Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors recently approved a $22 million grant to The Conservation Fund in support of the purchase. Earlier, $6 million from the National Park Service’s State and Local Assistance Program via the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund were announced to help the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation acquire the property needed to preserve Oak Hill home as a state park, thanks to the leadership of the project’s U.S. Congressional delegation: U.S. Senator Mark Warner, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, and U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton. Most recently, a $2 million grant from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation was awarded.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed budget during the 2024 session contained funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to complete a study of the potential acquisition and development of Oak Hill as a state park. That provision was included in the adopted budget, and DCR has been working with a contractor over the past several months to complete the study. A summary of the report will be available in January and the full report is expected to be completed in spring 2025.

Virginia State Delegate Alfonso Lopez is among the state legislators who have already voiced support for preserving Oak Hill and its surrounding lands as a public space.

“I think the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, and the General Assembly will be very supportive of this proposed state park,” Lopez said. “As a lifelong student of Virginia history and advocate for open space preservation, I am very excited about opening President Monroe’s home to the public and simultaneously protecting 1,200 acres of farmland in a high-growth area of Northern Virginia.”

Virginia State Senator Russet Perry, who represents the 31^st District where Oak Hill is located, also expressed support for the project.

“This past session, I was able to work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to get budget language passed that provided for a feasibility study on making Oak Hill a State Park,” he said. “The Oak Hill property is phenomenal, and we have an incredible opportunity to preserve Virginia history and maintain a vast recreational resource for Loudoun County residents and visitors. I’m excited to be a part of this effort and look forward to Oak Hill being the next designated State Park in the Commonwealth.”

The Conservation Fund is actively working to raise the necessary funds to permanently safeguard this property and ensure all the benefits it provides are protected for generations to come. To donate, visit www.conservationfund.org.

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.