The Conservation Fund Acquires President Monroe’s Oak Hill Estate, Preserving 1,200 Acres of Historic and Natural Legacy

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — The Conservation Fund announced today its successful acquisition of Oak Hill, the 1,200-acre historic estate of former U.S. President James Monroe, a major milestone in the effort to permanently protect the last presidential Founding Father home in private hands. This acquisition averts the threat of the national treasure’s erasure in one of Northern Virginia’s fastest-growing regions while laying the groundwork for Oak Hill to become Virginia’s next state park. 

“For over 200 years, Oak Hill has stood as a living monument to American history, but its future has long been in question,” said Heather Richards, vice president and mid-Atlantic regional director at The Conservation Fund. “Thanks to the conservation ethic of the DeLashmutt family and the support of our public and private partners, Oak Hill has the chance to be permanently protected and open to the public — for recreation, for historic preservation and for future generations. We urge Virginia leaders to take the final step and make Oak Hill a state park during the upcoming General Assembly session, ensuring this irreplaceable estate is preserved and accessible to all Americans.” 

Nestled in Loudoun County just 40 miles from Washington, D.C., Oak Hill includes undisturbed forests, open meadows and a well-preserved mansion. Once opened to the public, Oak Hill will give more than 3 million Virginians within 30 miles the chance to engage with both the natural landscape and the history it preserves. 

“For over 75 years, Oak Hill has been part of our family’s life and legacy. We’ve always recognized its history and significance reach far beyond us,” said Gayle DeLashmutt. “It means a great deal to know this place we’ve cared for so deeply is now in the hands of dedicated stewards who share our hope that Oak Hill’s story will continue to be honored, protected and thoughtfully shared with others.” 

Oak Hill’s preservation is a victory not just for history lovers, but for Virginia’s residents and visitors. It was here the nation’s fifth president finalized his Monroe Doctrine in 1823, a defining statement of United States foreign policy. The property also holds deeper, untold stories of enslaved Black and Indigenous peoples who lived and worked on this land, along with early examples of mechanized agriculture. The site also holds enormous potential for public use — including hiking, equestrian trails and heritage tourism — providing new recreational escapes in a rapidly developing region. 

“Preserving Loudoun’s history and telling our full history is important for all who live, work, learn and play in our community, now and in the future,” said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Board Chair At-Large Phyllis J. Randall. “Loudoun County’s support for the purchase of this property demonstrates our commitment to preserving our history. We are grateful for the partnerships with the family, The Conservation Fund, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and all who have made this endeavor possible.” 

The Conservation Fund is working to transfer Oak Hill into public ownership with the goal of establishing it as a state park. That decision will ultimately be made by Virginia’s governor and General Assembly, with formal consideration expected to begin in January 2026. 

“Securing Oak Hill is an incredible victory for the people of Virginia, but our work is far from done,” Richards said. “We need the support of the people of Virginia and that of our elected leaders in Richmond, including the new Governor and the General Assembly, to approve the creation of a new state park at Oak Hill.” 

Widespread public support has propelled this effort forward. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has approved a $22 million grant toward the purchase, and $6 million in federal funding has been allocated through the Land and Water Conservation Fund thanks to the leadership of U.S. Senator Mark Warner, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam. The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation has also awarded a $2 million grant to support the effort. 

The Conservation Fund is raising private philanthropic support to secure public access to Oak Hill. To contribute to the effort, visit www.conservationfund.org. 

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.