Oatlands Historic House & Gardens is a non-profit 501c3 co-stewardship site belonging to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and operated by Oatlands Inc. “Oatlands” came into existence after 1798 when George Carter, a great-grandson of Robert “King” Carter, inherited 3,400 acres in western Loudoun County, Virginia.
Arriving with 17 enslaved individuals, Mr. Carter tasked them, as well as paid artisans and laborers, to create much of what you see today, including the 4.5-acre gardens, stone walls, and brick buildings, including the mansion. Mr. Carter established a successful wheat plantation and grist mill operation supported by enslaved labor.
The Civil War brought freedom for the men, women, and children of the enslaved community of Oatlands, and the inevitable end to the plantation. By 1897 the second generation of Carters sell the home and remaining 60 acres.
In 1903, Oatlands is purchased by William Eustis, grandson of William Wilson Corcoran, of Washington, D.C. William was an avid equestrian, and his bride, Edith Morton, found the prospect of restoring the gardens irresistible. Oatlands became their country estate where they raised 5 children and entertained family and friends until Edith’s passing in 1964.
Edith’s daughters Margaret Finley, and Anne Emmet chose to donate Oatlands to the National Trust, and by 1966, the museum opened its doors to the public.
(703) 579-4868
20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane
Leesburg, VA 20175
@2024 Outlands events all rights reserved
