Birthday Celebration & Farewell

Following the wreath-laying, join descendants at Sherwood Forest for refreshments, cake and a toast to President Tyler’s 236th birthday! This gathering offers a moment to show appreciation for the enduring spirit of family, to acknowledge those who are present and to remember those who have gone before.

About Sherwood Forest

National Historic Landmark, National Register of Historic Places, Virginia Landmarks Register

President John Tyler purchased the residence and 900-acre plantation, originally called Walnut Grove, or The Grove, from Collier Minge in 1842. He amassed surrounding tracts and enlarged the house to its present 300-foot length. In a nod to his status as an “outlaw” from the Whig party, he renamed the residence Sherwood Forest. Tyler resided here with his second wife, Julia Gardiner Tyler, and their children from 1845 until his death in 1862. Julia Tyler embellished the residence in the Greek Revival style and designed manicured grounds according to the principles of Andrew Jackson Downing. Dependencies original to the property include a smokehouse, privy, dairy and tobacco curing barn. Sherwood Forest has been home to the President’s descendants ever since. The residence is furnished with Tyler family heirlooms, antiques and family portraits. Harrison Ruffin Tyler and his wife Frances restored the property in the mid-1970s with the goal of sharing family history. Their generous support of Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, ensures that the only publicly accessible historic site connected to President Tyler is preserved now and for generations to come.

Hosted by the Tyler Family Reunion Planning Committee: Kay Tyler, Melissa Matuska and Annique Dunning