Sherwood Forest Plantation

Sherwood Forest Plantation is a historic estate in Charles City County, Virginia, consisting of a long white Greek Revival mansion and several outbuildings. The main house stretches parallel to a tree-lined drive and is surrounded by manicured lawns and a garden, with fields and wooded areas beyond.

John Tyler, the tenth President of the United States, acquired the property in the 1840s and expanded the existing structure by joining several buildings into a continuous residence. After leaving office, he lived here until his death in 1862, managing the land as a tobacco and grain plantation.

The estate takes its name from the legendary English forest, reflecting the self-image of planters who saw themselves as landed gentry. The ballroom with its hardwood floors and tall windows hosted social receptions where political and business alliances were formed.

The estate lies about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Richmond along Virginia State Route 5, which runs as a scenic road following the James River. Guided tours last about an hour and cover the ground floor of the main house and some outdoor areas, with sturdy footwear recommended for outdoor paths.

The continuous roofline and linear arrangement of rooms resulted from joining an original 18th-century structure with two later wings added on either side. This unusual construction method makes the house one of the longest wooden frame residences in North America.

Location: Charles City County

GPS coordinates: 37.32472,-77.02056

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27