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Public Invited to Begin Reconstruction of Jefferson's Curtilage Fence on May 30th -

Forest, VA – Nearly 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote his son-in-law J.W. Eppes, "I have engaged a workman to build offices, have laid off a handsome curtilage connecting the house to the Tomahawk, have inclosed it and divided it into suitable appendages to a Dwelling house, and have begun its improvement by planting trees of use and ornament." In April 1813, Jefferson began to sculpt what he called the “curtilage,” a 61-acre enclosure surrounding the ornamental core of the retreat. In addition to containing the retreat house and ornamental grounds, the curtilage, contained gardens, orchards, outbuildings, and slave quarters. It is believed that Jefferson delineated the curtilage space with a Virginia snake fence, a series of rails laid in a zig-zag pattern, about six feet high.

On Saturday, May 30th from 10 am to Noon, the public is invited to kick off the reconstruction of this historic space at Poplar Forest. Working with Poplar Forest staff, volunteers will assist in assembling the first parts of the snake fence. Throughout the summer, student volunteers will continue to recreate the entire 61-acre enclosure. Poplar Forest will host another public day in the fall to mark the completion of the fence. Reconstructing the curtilage fence will give visitors an idea of the full size and scope of Jefferson’s villa retreat design.

"This fall, for the first time, visitors will feel the scale of the 61-acre space that Jefferson sculpted into his retreat environment, as we reconstruct its boundary fence," said Lynn Beebe, Poplar Forest's president. “Opening” this landscape for visitors to experience sets the stage for beginning to restore this vibrant but unseen dimension of Jefferson’s vision."

Most of Jefferson’s retreat landscape and farm landscape has vanished visually. A few maps survive of part of the farm, but no Jefferson-era drawings of the designed retreat grounds are known to exist. While Jefferson’s records, planting memoranda and letters provide many clues, it is through extensive excavating and lab analysis that archaeologists are developing a more complete picture of the gardens, grounds, and farm. As these features come into sharper focus, they can begin to be restored.

The curtilage was bounded by a snake fence, which was constructed sometime between 1812 and 1813.  The fence provided a distinct visual boundary that set off the retreat landscape from the larger agricultural operation of the plantation.  It also had the practical implication of keeping livestock and other animals out of the orchards and gardens within the curtilage.  The fence at Poplar Forest will be constructed of black locust, a very durable wood. The original fence may have been made of chestnut, black locust, or other durable wood gathered locally.

Details about May 30th

Participants who want to help reconstruct the fence are required to wear long sleeves, long pants and substantial shoes. Each rail weighs 40 pounds and is 11 feet long. Please bring protective eyewear, heavy-duty gloves and bug spray.

Pre-registration is requested. Please contact Octavia Starbuck at (434) 534-8108 or octavia@poplarforest.org for more information and to register. Images of the fence are also available.

About Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home, now a National Historic Landmark. Undergoing award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers educational outreach programs, tours and special events. Poplar Forest is open Wednesday through Monday, April through November; except Thanksgiving Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission for house tours is $10, adults; $9, seniors; $9 active military; $5, youth, ages12-18; $2, youth 6-11; free, children under the age of 6. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org for additional information. 

Poplar Forest is open to the public seven days a week, March 15 through December 15 (closed Thanksgiving Day). Group tours are available year-round by appointment.