National Historic Landmark
National Register of Historic Places
Virginia Historic Landmark
In 1842 President John Tyler (1841-1845), a Charles City County native, purchased a farmhouse
and 900 acres known as “The Grove.” Through the mid-1840’s he amassed additional acreage and added
to the house, creating a 300-foot-long frame residence as the centerpiece of a 1600-acre working estate
befitting a president. President Tyler retired here with his second wife, Julia Gardiner Tyler, at the end of
his term in office. The Tylers renamed the residence Sherwood Forest in a nod to the President’s status
as an “outlaw” from the Whig party. Generations of the Tyler family have resided at Sherwood Forest since the President’s time. Tyler with the goal of preserving
and sharing family history. Their vision, dedication, and generous support of Sherwood Forest Plantation
Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has provided for public access to this historic property in
perpetuity. The residence is furnished with family heirlooms, silver, porcelain, paintings, and antique
furniture, some dating to the President’s era. On the 25 acres of grounds you will see dependencies
including a tobacco barn, dairy, smoke house and privy. Centuries-old trees, gardens, and lawn are
features of the park-like setting.
