Trip Blog : Part 1- James Monroe Family Home: The House (and who is he)

On April 24, we took a drive to northeastern Virginia to visit Tom's grandparents' resting place and came across President James Monroe's family home site. It was all redeveloped over the last couple of years. Tom said he knew about the location as a kid, but there was nothing there. Now, there's a house under construction to simulate the original and a great path behind it with historical references. Over the next several blogs, we'll follow the path behind the house and share Monroe's history (with the help of Tyler and Dash, who came with us!). In today's blog, we'll look at the house. >>

(Photo: Monroe House. Credit: R.G.) 

WHO IS JAMES MONROE? James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States (1817–1825) and the last President from the Founding Fathers. ... Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, in 1758, Monroe attended the College of William and Mary, fought with distinction in the Continental Army, and practiced law in Fredericksburg, Virginia.    

(Image: President James Monroe. Credit; Whitehouse.gov) 

ABOUT THE SITE:  The James Monroe Family Home Site, also known as James Monroe's Birthplace, is a historic archaeological site located near Oak Grove and Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County, Virginia. There's also a small new Visitor's Center (but it was closed when we visited on a Saturday). 

WHERE IS IT? Its located at 4460 James Monroe Hwy, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 

Phone: (804) 214-9145   Year Originally built: 1752 (only the foundation was found)

Year reconstruction built 2021 Area: 75 acres 

ABOUT THE HOUSE AND PROPERTY -  According to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the James Monroe Birthplace is located in rural Westmoreland County near Colonial Beach. 

WHO BUILT THE ORIGINAL HOUSE?  James’s father, Spence Monroe, the house which once stood on the property had less than 1,600 square feet of floor space during the time.  James lived there with his parents and four siblings. 

WHEN WAS THE PROPERTY SOLD?  James Monroe sold the family property in 1780. By the mid-19th century the building was no longer occupied, and perhaps completely destroyed.

HOW IT WAS REDISCOVERED -  Although originally listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Finally in 2020, construction started on the property to make it into an historic site for the public.

NEXT:  The Visitor's Center and Beginning of a Walk Through his History

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