James Madison's Montpelier

Montpelier is the home of James and Dolley Madison - Father of the Constitution, Architect of the Bill of Rights, and America’s 1st "First Lady."

Montpelier spans 2,650 acres with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Observe native flora through three miles of forested walking trails. Restore your senses in the Annie du Pont Garden. Tour the mansion and delve into the personalities, styles, and friendships of James and Dolley Madison. Learn how archaeologists are piecing together the unwritten histories of Montpelier’s enslaved community. Expand your knowledge about Madison’s role in crafting the Constitution, as well as Montpelier’s history during the Civil War and Jim Crow era. Children are invited to kid-sized archaeology and touchable exhibits in Dolley’s cellar. For your next family outing, remember, our grounds are open to visits year-round at no cost.

540.672.2728, x450
www.montpelier.org

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James Madison's Montpelier

The Barboursville Ruins

The Virginia Historic Landmark ruins of Thomas Jefferson's mansion for Governor James Barbour, erected 1814-1821, are preserved at the center of Barboursville Vineyards and are a magnificent example of the influence of the 16th Century Italian architect, Andrea Palladio, on Jefferson's residential style. Historic dependencies of the mansion have been renovated into luxurious accommodations, at the 1804 Inn and Vineyard Cottage, while the wines of Barboursville Vineyards may be tasted daily, with fine dining at Palladio Restaurant on Wednesday through Sunday, by reservation.

540.832.3824
www.barboursvillewine.com

The Exchange Hotel:  Civil War Medical Museum

It was once a thriving tavern during the 1840’s and a Railroad Grand Hotel during the 1860’s. The building was transformed to become the Gordonsville Receiving Hospital during the Civil War where 70,000 Confederate and Union soldiers were treated. After the war it became Union occupied as a Freedmen’s Bureau.

Come visit their newly renovated Museum and experience rooms lined with Civil War medical instruments, field supplies, original documents and much more. New exhibits display the Exchange Hotel’s complete history from the beginning to current day.   The museum is open year round. 

Hours: 
Mon - Thurs 10 -4; Sat 10-4; Sun 1-4  (Closed Fridays)

540.832.2944
www.hgiexchange.com

The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage

The first museum in the United States to honor James Madison, the Museum’s mission is to preserve and present the remarkable history of Orange County, along with the contributions of the Father of the Constitution/President James Madison, First Lady, Dolley Madison and Orange-born President (General) Zachary Taylor.   


Enjoy the large collection of agricultural implements and 1732 cube house; testaments to the agrarian history of Orange.  Our Black History Room conveys the intertwined history of Black Americans from the American Revolution onward through Post-Emancipation.  The Madison Room displays numerous possessions of the Madisons and Taylor; along with a few from Washington, Jefferson and Monroe.  Our Temporary Exhibit Room changes every few months - so come see what's on exhibit today!