Written and contributed by Autumn Yates, Autumn Yates Writing Service
With Presidents Day just around the corner, it is worth noting that Virginia is the birthplace of eight presidents, the most of any state in the country. Are you looking for some family-friendly ways to learn more about presidential history? Continue reading for a list of open-to-the-public destinations that are all within a few hours of Northern Virginia.
George Washington
For an annual Presidents Day tradition, consider attending the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Alexandria on February 19th. Just a few miles south of Old Town is Mount Vernon, our first president’s famous estate. There, families can tour the grounds and the mansion, and children can enjoy the Hands-on History Center. Those up for a day trip can visit the George Washington Birthplace National Monument, a free, NPS-maintained site in Colonial Beach. To learn more about Washington’s childhood, check out George Washington’s Ferry Farm, his boyhood home in Fredericksburg, which is reopening for the season on March 1st.
Thomas Jefferson
The third U.S. president’s interest in architecture is no secret - Jefferson’s Monticello remains a design marvel to this day. Find the Charlottesville home just miles from the University of Virginia (UVA), Jefferson’s other crowning architectural achievement. Together, Monticello and UVA are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UVA is one of only a few UNESCO sites in the world that is still used for its original purpose!
James Madison
Located outside of Orange, Virginia is Montpelier, fourth president James Madison’s sprawling estate. While in the area, venture into historic downtown Orange to visit the James Madison Museum, where you’ll find historical, cultural, and agricultural exhibits related to Madison’s presidential term and his lifetime in general.
James Monroe
Like George Washington, fifth President James Monroe was born in Colonial Beach, and his birthplace is now a museum that offers free tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Monroe eventually settled not far from Monticello at Highland, his own Charlottesville property. Today, visitors can purchase tickets to explore the grounds and the 1818 Guesthouse.
William Henry Harrison
Berkeley Plantation is the birthplace of ninth president William Henry Harrison and his great-grandfather, Benjamin Harrison V, a Virginia governor and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. This Charles City home reopens for the season in mid-March.
Woodrow Wilson
Those interested in learning about the nation’s 28th president can visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. Wilson’s original birthplace, a garden, a library, and some additional exhibits make up this Staunton, Virginia campus. Wilson’s second wife, Edith Bolling Wilson, was also born in the state. Her birthplace is now a museum in the Southwestern Virginia town of Wytheville.
At each of the above sites, you’ll find interesting exhibits, artifacts, and family-friendly experiences. You’ll also learn the vitally important stories of enslaved populations and other marginalized groups, which add to the complexity of our nation’s history. We hope this list helps you find a new and interesting place to visit this weekend, or at any time of year.