Near Charlottesville in Albemarle County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

James Monroe’s First Farm

Site of the University of Virginia

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

1. James Monroe’s First Farm Marker

Inscription. In 1788 James Monroe purchased an 800-acre farm here to be close to his friend Thomas Jefferson and to establish a law office. In 1799 the Monroes moved to their new Highland plantation adjacent to Monticello and sold the first farm. In 1817 the Board of Visitors of Central College purchased 43¾ acres of Monroe’s old farm, for the Lawn and the Ranges of the “academical village” that Jefferson was planning to build with private contributions. On 6 Oct. President Monroe, with former presidents Jefferson and Madison, laid the cornerstone for its first building, Pavilion VII. On 25 Jan. 1819, Central College was chartered by the General Assembly as the University of Virginia.

Erected 2000 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number G-23.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, the Former U.S. Presidents: #04 James Madison, the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 25, 1819.

Location. 38° 2.167′ N, 78° 30.294′ W. Marker is near Charlottesville, Virginia, in Albemarle County. Marker

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is on McCormick Road south of University Avenue (Business U.S. 250), on the left when traveling south. Marker is at the University of Virginia Chapel, near the Rotunda. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 E Range, Charlottesville VA 22903, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. These Garden Walls (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Martin (within shouting distance of this marker); Edgar Allan Poe (within shouting distance of this marker); University of Virginia (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodrow Wilson (about 400 feet away); Thomas Jefferson Monument (about 400 feet away); World War I Memorial (about 500 feet away); William Holding Echols (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottesville.

University of Virginia’s Chapel and Marker image. Click for full size.

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

2. University of Virginia’s Chapel and Marker

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

3. James Monroe’s First Farm Marker

Site of James Monroe’s First Farm image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 2, 2011

4. Site of James Monroe’s First Farm

The original farm house has been expanded and enlarged over the years. Now it's 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.

James Monroe’s Law Office (1790) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 2, 2011

5. James Monroe’s Law Office (1790)

The last structure built by James Monroe remaining on Monroe Hill.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,323 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 3, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4, 5. submitted on July 2, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.