While the Conservation Fund awaits Gov. Glenn Youngkin‘s possible amendment to make Historic Oak Hill State Park, support has grown for the project.
“This crescendo of support for Historic Oak Hill State Park illustrates how ready Virginians are to realize this unprecedented opportunity to protect American history and land that benefits all of us,” Heather Richards, The Conservation Fund’s lead on this project, said.
Del. Geary Michael Higgins posted to Facebook Friday afternoon about his recent visit to Oak Hill with Youngkin. He emphasized “how important this historic treasure is to Loudoun County and the Commonwealth.”
Thousands continue to sign The Conservation Fund‘s petition encouraging Youngkin to secure Oak Hill as a state park, protecting the site for conservation, recreation and cultural value.
No later than Monday, Youngkin is expected to announce whether Virginia‘s budget will include an amendment to facilitate the creation of Historic Oak Hill State Park in Loudoun County. The United States‘ fifth president, James Monroe, acquired land 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. in 1794 and built Oak Hill in 1823. While president, he wrote the Monroe Doctrine at Oak Hill and, after two terms as president, he retired to Oak Hill where he wrote his autobiography.
If a budget amendment is proposed Monday, the Virginia General Assembly will take it up on April 2 as part of its one-day reconvened session. State funding is not required for the purchase of or operation of the park, but legislation is necessary to create Virginia‘s next state park.
The Conservation Fund announced in late November its intention to purchase the 1,200-acre estate from the DeLashmutt family and preserve it for future generations.
Private funding, grant funding and $22 million from Loudoun County made acquisition of the estate possible. A feasibility study revealed that $20 million is needed to continue operation of the park, which the Fund hopes to open in early 2026, as well as collection of state park fees and overnight fees from visitors.
Oak Hill would be the only privately owned home of a Founding Father preserved in the U.S.
Related stories:
Lawmakers request President Monroe’s home in Oak Hill designated as unit of National Park System
Loudoun County: President James Monroe’s Oak Hill home to be preserved as Virginia State Park
Loudoun County: Efforts proceed to preserve President James Monroe’s Oak Hill
Loudoun County: House committee approves preservation of Oak Hill as state park
Preservation of James Monroe’s Oak Hill as state park rests with Gov. Youngkin
Future of Historic Oak Hill State Park uncertain pending legislative approval
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Rebecca Barnabi
