Visit Poplar Forest:
Thomas Jefferson's Virginia retreat!

Thomas Jefferson and his wife Martha inherited this Bedford County plantation known as
Poplar Forest from her father in 1773. In 1806, Jefferson traveled from Washington to
supervise the laying of the foundation for the octagonal house we see today. After his
presidency ended, in 1809, Jefferson would visit his retreat three to four times per
year for some "quiet time."

Reconstruction and excavation of the site is currently taking place, to restore Jefferson's
Poplar Forest home to its original beauty (after suffering from at least two fires and
some modifications by post-Jefferson owners).

Archaeoloigsts are doing meticulous work, on a daily basis, to ensure the reconstruction is
as close to the original architecture as possible, and their work is indeed a wonder to behold!

whlib@viafamily.com