The Path of Patriots

Virginia gave rise to a revolution, a democratic republic and eight presidents

July 2026

by Chris Dovi, Contributing Writer

As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain — and, more importantly, the birth of its democratic republic — what better way to mark the milestone than to visit some of the places that helped make America great. Virginia, the Mother of Presidents, gave birth to eight of the nation’s greatest leaders. Nearly all left a legacy of historic sites worth visiting. First step? Get your Virginia 250 Passport at virginiahistory.org/virginia-250-passport. Then it’s time to gas up and hit the highway. Destination: history.

George Washington

FIRST PRESIDENT (1789-1797)

We cannot tell a lie: Our nation’s first president has three homesteads of importance, all located in Northern Virginia or the Northern Neck.

Wakefield

Begin with Washington’s birthplace at Wakefield in Westmoreland County. Although the home where he was born burned on Christmas Day 1779, a replica stands amid 500 acres of national parkland along Pope’s Creek. Nps.gov/gewa; dhr.virginia.gov/historic-registers/096-0026

Ferry Farm

Washington’s childhood home, Ferry Farm in Stafford County, was also destroyed by fire. You can visit an exact replica of the 1740 original. This is where Washington allegedly chopped down that famous — though fictional — cherry tree. Kenmore.org/visit-george-washingtons-ferry-farm

Mount Vernon

Finally, visit the mother of all presidential sites, Mount Vernon in Fairfax County. It’s everything you’d expect from the home of the nation’s most beloved Founding Father. The house is original. Don’t stop at the mansion; the museum and education center are attractions in their own right. This year’s July 3-4 activities will include fireworks, commemorations and a performance by the National Concert Band. Mountvernon.org

Thomas Jefferson

THIRD PRESIDENT (1801-1809)

Jefferson was known to be a prolific inventor who also improved upon the designs of other inventions. Visit the historic sites where he lived to see items that offer a glimpse into his brilliant mind.

Tuckahoe Plantation and Poplar Forest

Historic sites associated with Jefferson’s life include Tuckahoe Plantation near Richmond and Poplar Forest in Bedford County. Poplar Forest activities related to the 250th include “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation.” This signature exhibition from the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission will be on display at Poplar Forest from Oct. 12 to Nov. 23. Visithistorictuckahoe.com; Poplarforest.org

Related story: Man loans rare copy of Declaration of Independence to Poplar Forest as part of special exhibit

Monticello

The centerpiece of Jefferson’s legacy remains Monticello in Charlottesville, designed by the same hand that penned the Declaration of Independence. Explore the site with a special guided tour of Monticello by Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by interpreter Bill Barker. Get tickets for this special tour through July 31. Monticello.org

James Madison

FOURTH PRESIDENT (1809-1817)

Although he stood just 5 feet, 4 inches tall, James Madison was no flyweight. He wrote the first draft of the U.S. Constitution, not to mention many of the Federalist Papers, at his Orange County, Va., home.

Belle Grove Plantation

You can tour, or even sleep in, the King George County plantation house where James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, was born. Operating now as a historic site and bed-and-breakfast, Belle Grove was built on the banks of the Rappahannock River in 1670 and changed hands among multiple familes after Madison’s years of residence. Bellegroveplantation.com

Montpelier

For another Madison experience, try Montpelier, the longtime home of Madison and his nearly equally famous wife, Dolley Madison. The historic site and museum hosts a few commemorative events this month: the Orange Music Festival, July 3; Salon 1776’s “Talk and Sip” series; and the Educator Seminar, July 20-23, discussing the Declaration of Independence as the basis for the U.S. Constitution. The attraction is one of many discounted stops on the Virginia 250 Passport. Montpelier.org

James Monroe

FIFTH PRESIDENT (1817-1825)

Although he managed to acquire from Spain the territory that would become Florida, Monroe often stands in the shadows of Washington, Jefferson and Madison. But he was no shrinking violet. His presidency became known as the “Era of Good Feelings,” yet he also is remembered for the Monroe Doctrine, a stern warning against European interference in the Americas.

Highland

Prodded by friend Thomas Jefferson, Monroe bought 1,000 acres not far from Monticello in Albemarle County and built a home on the property that today tells many new stories, thanks to ongoing archaeological study of the site since 2012. The property is now owned by his alma mater, the College of William & Mary. Discounted admission tickets ($10) are available on Independence Day. Highland.org

William Henry Harrison

NINTH PRESIDENT (1841)

Poor President Harrison, we hardly knew him! He served just 33 days, dying not long after giving the longest inaugural address in history. He had a lot to say, but much was left undone.

Berkeley Plantation

Harrison’s birthplace, Berkeley Plantation in Charles City County, bills itself as “Virginia’s most historic plantation.” This year, it’s celebrating its 300th anniversary alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary. Berkeleyplantation.com

John Tyler

10TH PRESIDENT (1841-1845)

After John Tyler assumed office, detractors dubbed him “His Accidency” because he was the first vice president to become president following the untimely death of William Henry Harrison, his campaign running mate and neighbor. Tyler fathered his youngest child at age 70, and his last living grandchild, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, died only last year.

Sherwood Forest

If you’re in the neighborhood visiting Berkeley Plantation, drop by Sherwood Forest. In 1845, after his presidency, Tyler renamed his expansive property Sherwood Forest as a nod to Robin Hood because he was regarded as an “outlaw” by the Whig Party. The site is partnering with Monticello this year to promote the Declaration Book Club. Sherwoodforest.org; Monticello.org/bookclub

Zachary Taylor

12TH PRESIDENT (1849-1850)

Like his predecessor, Harrison, Taylor’s presidency was short-lived — only 16 months — leaving little time for accomplishments of much note. The son of an American Revolution colonel, he was also a war hero and earned the nickname “Rough and Ready” for his battlefield exploits.

Orange County Historical Marker President

Taylor’s time in Virginia was brief. He was born in Orange County in 1784 before his family hightailed it a year later for Kentucky territory. Today, a historical marker at the intersection of Spotswood Trail and Montebello Drive in Gordonsville, Va., modestly commemorates Taylor’s Virginia ties.

Woodrow Wilson

28TH PRESIDENT (1913-1921)

Just a boy living in the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction, Wilson again encountered war as president — he shifted from neutrality to a policy of defending democracy abroad when he led the nation into World War I.

Presidential Library and Museum

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum in Staunton includes the birthplace of the nation’s 28th president. Perhaps best known for creating the Federal Reserve System and the League of Nations, precursor to the United Nations, Wilson oversaw U.S. participation in WWI. Woodrowwilson.org