A plan to make James Monroe’s Virginia estate a state park was rejected. Now, it’s in limbo.

The historic property of Oak Hill in Loudoun County, Virginia, once home to President James Monroe, is facing an uncertain future after efforts to turn it into a public park were rejected by the Virginia state legislature. This property is the only home of an early U.S. president that remains in private hands, owned by the Delashmutt family for over 70 years.

Gayle Delashmutt, a member of the family, expressed their desire to move on but found it challenging to give away the property. The family received generous offers from developers but is determined to preserve Oak Hill as a state park. The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit preservation group, has agreed to purchase the property for $20 million and secure an additional $32 million for its transformation into a state park and museum.

Despite the feasibility study showing that the property could operate without public funding for at least a decade, the Virginia General Assembly rejected the bill to authorize the plan. State Sen. Scott Surovell supports the proposal but acknowledges concerns about future economic implications. There is hope that Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin could include Oak Hill in the state’s budget amendment for consideration in the upcoming legislative vote.

Delashmutt envisions Oak Hill as a valuable educational tool for the public to learn about President Monroe and the property’s historical significance. The house holds artifacts like mantels gifted by the Marquis de Lafayette and prehistoric stones hinting at a rich past. Heather Richards of the Conservation Fund emphasizes the importance of preserving the property as a state park to share its untold stories with visitors.

The fate of Oak Hill hangs in the balance as stakeholders navigate the complexities of preserving this historic site. The potential transformation into a state park represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the legacy of President James Monroe and showcase the rich history of Loudoun County, Virginia.