What’s Next for Oak Hill?

This year, thousands of people signed our petition to save President James Monroe’s historic 1,200-acre estate in Virginia by turning it into a state park. Your voices sent a powerful message to the people who can make it happen. By sharing why Oak Hill means so much to Virginia and our nation, you made unprecedented strides for this American landmark. 

The legislative effort to protect Oak Hill initially passed the Virginia House of Delegates without opposition, 99-0. And after that bill faltered in a state Senate committee, your voices convinced Gov. Glenn Youngkin to bring it back to life. On March 24, he announced his support for the project following a visit to the estate with The Conservation Fund and the local state delegate. 

“In addition, after careful consideration and — I have to say, an enormous amount of arm twisting and a site visit with Del. Geary Higgins — our package of budget amendments includes language to authorize the consideration of establishing Oak Hill, the historic home of Virginia governor and fifth president of the United States James Monroe as a state park,” Youngkin said. (See a recording of his remarks here.) 

Sadly, larger issues prevented us from getting this proposal across the finish line when members briefly reconvened on April 2. But our work is not done. The Conservation Fund remains fully committed to permanently preserving this land, and we’re continuing to work with our partners to make this happen. 

That’s because public demand for this park remains exceedingly high. Our champions in the General Assembly remain undeterred. Loudoun County committed $22 million to this project and stands with us in the effort to make Oak Hill a state park. And most importantly, the public continues to support this project. 

The Conservation Fund is pursuing every opportunity to create Historic Oak Hill State Park, and we are prepared to come back to the General Assembly next year to make it happen. With your continued support, we will do everything we can to protect this American treasure. If you haven’t already signed our petition to save Oak Hill, now is the time. Every signature helps emphasize that Virginia needs to get this done in 2026. Let us know that you’re with us in this effort, and we’ll keep you updated on when and how to make your voice heard once again.