A Historic Home's Future: Oak Hill's Journey from Private Estate to Public Park

The rolling hills and misty landscapes of Northern Virginia hide a secret. A secret that has been kept for centuries. The Oak Hill estate, once home to President James Monroe, is a place where history comes alive. The estate, located in the community of Aldie, is the last presidential home in Loudoun County still in private hands. The DeLashmutt family, who have owned the estate since 1948, are considering a significant change. They want to transform the 1, 240 acres into a state park, opening it up to the public. The DeLashmutt family is not related to the Monroes, but they have a deep connection to the land. The family has lived in Oak Hill for generations, and they have taken great care of the estate. The family's matriarch, Gayle DeLashmutt, believes it is time for someone else to take over the responsibility of preserving the historic site. The family, along with a nonprofit organization called The Conservation Fund, hopes that Governor Glenn Youngkin will include the project in his proposed budget amendment. The governor has until a certain date to submit his revisions. Oak Hill is more than just a historic home. It is a place where centuries of history are deeply rooted. The estate features a room where Monroe crafted part of his famous doctrine. The room exudes a quiet, stately atmosphere, and just a few steps away, a quarried-stone floor marked by fossilized dinosaur tracks glimmers in the sunlight. The estate also has a portico built by enslaved African Americans, offering a captivating view of the surrounding landscape. The estate's complex heritage includes elegant parlors with marble fireplace mantelpieces, a gift from the Marquis de LaFayette, and a windowpane scratched by a member of the Fairfax family. The estate also tells the stories of the enslaved African Americans who built and cared for the property. George Williams, an enslaved carpenter, constructed the main house, and Natus Berryman lived at Oak Hill before being forced to move south. Opening the estate to the public full time would allow people to learn more about their stories, as well as the histories of the Indigenous people and tenant farmers who lived on and worked the land. The project to convert Oak Hill into a state park has faced some challenges. The legislation passed unanimously in the Virginia House but stalled in the state Senate. Senator L. Louise Lucas expressed concern about the state's long-term commitment to the project, even if it has no upfront financial obligation. Governor Youngkin initially had reservations about the project but said he is open-minded after touring the estate. The future of Oak Hill remains uncertain, but the potential for it to become a public park is a significant step in preserving its historic legacy. The DeLashmutt family's decision to consider converting Oak Hill into a state park is a testament to their commitment to preserving the estate's historic legacy. The estate's complex heritage and the stories of the enslaved African Americans who built and cared for the property make it a unique and valuable piece of American history. The potential for Oak Hill to become a public park is an exciting opportunity for people to learn more about the estate's rich history and the people who shaped it.