City: Williamsburg, VA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (804) 829-5377

Address: 14501 John Tyler Hwy. (Route 5)

Description: Without a doubt, this is one of the loveliest homesteads in this part of Virginia. Sherwood Forest Plantation was the home of President John Tyler. It is about a 30-minute drive west of Williamsburg. Considered the longest frame house in America, it measures 300 feet along its front facade. Built about 1730, the original structure was altered and renovated by President Tyler in 1844. The house today looks very much like it did when Tyler retired here from the White House in 1845. He brought with him his new bride, Julia Gardiner of Gardiner’s Island, New York. Since then, the plantation has been continuously occupied by members of the Tyler family and has been a working plantation for more than 240 years.The house features a private ballroom 68 feet in length and is furnished with an extensive collection of 18th- and 19th-century family heirlooms. President Tyler’s china, porcelain, silver, mirrors, tables, chairs, and other furnishings are still in use here. In the library are the books of Governor Tyler (President Tyler’s father), John Tyler, and his son, Dr. Lyon Gardiner Tyler, who served as president of the College of William and Mary. The grounds are open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. House tours are by reservation only. Tours of the grounds are $10. Senior citizen, military, and AAA discounts are offered.