James Monroe's Highland

James Monroe's Highland is the historic Albemarle County home of the fifth U.S. President, set in the Virginia hills near Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's estate. Construction on the property began in 1797, and the main house Monroe and his family occupied was completed in 1799; an 1818 guesthouse still stands today. Now owned and operated by the College of William & Mary, Monroe's alma mater, Highland operates as a museum dedicated to sharing the full history of the site, including the stories of the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked there. With more than 30 years of experience hosting private events, Highland offers indoor and outdoor spaces for meetings, conferences, retreats, and family gatherings, including the Event Barn and the Hilltop Pavilion, the latter offering panoramic mountain views. The grounds also include rustic trails and yard spaces available for outdoor gatherings. Guests can add a guided history walk or one of Highland's educational programs, delivered by the Highland team, to deepen an event with the site's history.