The Conservation Fund will seek other options for preserving Oak Hill in Loudoun County after the Virginia General Assembly took no action to establish Historic Oak Hill State Park today.
The 1,200-acre estate, which former President James Monroe called home during his two terms as president from 1817 to 1825 and in his retirement where he wrote his autobiography, is owned by the DeLashmutt family.
“The loud public demand for this land to become a park makes clear that our work here is not done. Oak Hill is an American treasure — and it must be preserved as such,” said Heather Richards, The Conservation Fund‘s lead on the project.
The Fund sought legislation to make the estate Virginia‘s next state park, however, state funds are not needed to create the park. Gov. Glenn Youngkin included Oak Hill in an amendment proposal last week.
Private funding, grant funding and $22 million from Loudoun County are already available to create the park, which the Fund had hoped to open in early 2026 for the public.
The General Assembly took no action on Youngkin’s proposed budget amendment. The entire package was rejected by a voice vote on HB1600.
The Fund will now take time to consider options and determine the best way to conserve Oak Hill by working with estate owners and partners in Loudoun County. The Fund will chart a path forward from here to achieve the greatest possible public benefit for Virginia.
If preserved, Oak Hill would be the only private home of a Founding Father preserved for future generations.
Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, served as governor and later the United States‘ fifth president. He is buried in Richmond.
Related stories
- Lawmakers request President Monroe’s home in Oak Hill designated as unit of National Park System
- Loudoun County: Efforts proceed to preserve President James Monroe’s Oak Hill
- Future of Historic Oak Hill State Park uncertain pending legislative approval
- Gov. Youngkin proposes amendment to create Historic Oak Hill State Park
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Rebecca Barnabi
