Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

President Monroe’s Local Homes

Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 8, 2017

1. President Monroe’s Local Homes Marker

Inscription. In 1789 James Monroe moved to Charlottesville and for one year his home was located in the first block west of this site. Then he lived for nine years in the home he built on what is now called “Monroe Hill” at the University of Virginia. His final Albemarle home, near “Monticello” was his “Highland” estate, now called “Ash Lawn.”

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1789.

Location. 38° 1.83′ N, 78° 28.685′ W. Marker is in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is in Downtown Mall. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Street NE and East Market Street, on the left when traveling south on 5th Street NE. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 502 E Market St, Charlottesville VA 22902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stone Tavern and Central Hotel (a few steps from this marker); First Post Office (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Hotels (about 300 feet away); The Three Notch’d Road (about 300 feet away); Monticello (about 400 feet away); Watering Fountains

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(about 400 feet away); First Public Library (about 400 feet away); Mercantile Business (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottesville.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Monroe’s first house was later a tavern then a hotel, and finally a Civil War hospital when it burned down.

Also see . . .
1. Monroe Hill National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. “Monroe Hill originated as a small dwelling and law office built for James Monroe in 1790. Monroe occupied the property only briefly and sold the land to John Perry in 1814. Perry, one of the builders of the University of Virginia, enlarged the main house and eventually sold the property to the University. The main dwelling served as home of the proctor of the University for a time, but eventually came to be used for student use. Two arcaded ranges, each with six student rooms, were built in 1848 and the site became a residential college for students given grants by the Commonwealth of Virginia to attend the University. Monroe Hill continues to be used for educational purposes as a residential college, now known as Brown College.” (Submitted on June 10, 2009.)

2. Virtual Tour of Ash Lawn - Highland (This webpage is no longer available)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 8, 2017

2. President Monroe’s Local Homes Marker

. “Although Monroe’s house appears on its north elevation to be only one story high, the west elevation shows that the home was built into a hillside, which shelters the lower-level kitchen and other basement rooms from inclement weather. Additional shelter and beauty are provided by innumerable white ash trees, which abound on the estate and stretch across the northwest lawn toward Carter's Mountain, where the southern ridge now marks Ash Lawn-Highland's boundary.” (Submitted on June 10, 2009.)

3. Ash Lawn - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. (Submitted on May 1, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 15, 2008

3. President Monroe’s Local Homes Marker

In 2008 it was on the patio of the Tastings of Charlottesville Restaurant under one of the outside-seating umbrellas. Photo 2 shows it at its current location at the street corner.

Site of Monroe Hill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 2, 2011

4. Site of Monroe Hill

The original farm house has been expanded and enlarged over the years. Now it is the center of Brown College on Monroe Hill at the University of Virginia. The original law office (1790) remains at the left end of the walkway.

Ash Lawn – Highland (1799) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Crumlish, April 30, 2011

5. Ash Lawn – Highland (1799)

Ash Lawn - Highland (located near Simeon) is one of almost two dozen National Register of Historic Places located within the Southern Albemarle Rural Historic District. Built in 1799, it was the estate of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,438 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 11, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on June 9, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on July 2, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 5. submitted on May 1, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.