Selected Topics in Architecture: James Monroe and His Built Environment at Highland

Narratives of James Monroe as a modest planter have been furthered by the appearance of his unassuming home, Highland, in Albemarle County, Virginia currently owned by William & Mary. Recent architectural and archaeological research reveals new truths about the house, planned and built with the aid of Monroe’s friend and mentor, Thomas Jefferson. This understanding of the property sheds new light on James Monroe and his social and political aspirations. In this lecture, Sara Bon-Harper will explore the property through new research, and discuss emerging narratives about the fifth U.S. President.