photos by C. Wildman

Eppington was built about 1770 by Francis Eppes VI. Thomas Jefferson, Eppes' brother-in-law, was a frequent visitor. Jefferson called Eppes the "nation's first horticulturalist" and praised Eppes' scientific farming techniques, including cultivating tobacco. Monticello slaves such as Sally Hemings worked and lived at Eppington while Jefferson was minister to France. Later, it was at Eppington that Jefferson received President George Washington's invitation to become the nation's first secretary of state.

Eppington is on the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places. It reflects the earliest American formal architectural style. Eppington's original fabrics, painted surfaces, carved metals and wainscoting are studied today. Eppington is an African American Heritage Trails site. It is open to small tour groups by reservation only.

For more information, call (804) 748-1624.

14602 Epps Fall Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23838

This site is sponsored by Chesterfield Heritage Alliance.
For more information, call the Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation at (804) 748-1623
Copyright 2006 © Chesterfield Heritage Alliance. All rights reserved.