The State of Virginia was home to eight American Presidents, four of whom lived in central Virginia. Many world citizens are aware that Thomas Jefferson lived in the area and James Madison, considered the Father of the Constitution also has a high awareness level. Fewer visitors are aware that James Monroe, fifth president of the United States lived virtually across the road from Jefferson and that together these three gentlemen governed the United States for a continuous period of 25 years.

As the Washingtons, Lees, Jeffersons and Masons settled Virginia, their expanding households always included African Americans who built the mansions, produced the agricultural wealth and otherwise made their gentry lifestyles possible. Today, the plantations and town residences, belonging to their sons and grandsons, dot the Northern Virginia landscape; in Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall.

Fewer visitors still are aware that Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States was born in Staunton, Virginia, just a short distance away from Charlottesville. The homes and environments of each of the Presidents are unique and provide interesting contrasts in the lifestyles of these gentlemen.

Even though much of Northern Virginia's early African American heritage was concentrated on plantations near Washington, D.C.; the years after the Civil War saw the influence and impact of African Americans extend way beyond into the countryside and communities. Today, fascinating museums in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties, coupled with the unique history of the Manassas Industrial School, feature an area is replete with African American offerings.

Across the river in Washington, D.C., important African American heritage ranges from the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, former headquarters of the Colored Public Schools of Washington and Georgetown, and the Mount Zion United Methodist Church and Heritage Center.

Places to visit:

• Woodrow Wilson House
• Tudor Place
• Historic Fairfax Elementary School/Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center
• Ratcliffe-Allison House
• National Geographic Society/Explorer's Hall
• Textile Museum
• National Cathedral
• National Zoological Park
• Old Stone House
• C & O Canal
• Dumbarton Oaks
• The Manassas Museum
• Manassas Battlefield Park
• Frederick Douglass National Historical Site
• Ratcliffe-Allison House
• Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
• Tinner Hill Monument
• Manassas Industrial School/Dean Memorial
• Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County, The Plains
• Loudoun Museum
• Black Heritage Walking Tour/Old Leesburg
• Howard University
• Benjamin Banneker Park
• Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives
• Mt. Zion United Methodist Church