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Oatlands is an historic mansion built in 1804 with outbuildings that include an 1810 green-house and an 1821 bank barn. The mansion is surrounded by 369 acres of grounds, including more than 4 acres of formal gardens. Oatlands was one of Loudoun’s largest antebellum plantations, with over 100 slaves. It is an architectural showplace as well as a classic case study of how a Southern plantation has had to adapt to the changing times. Oatlands is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site.

Website address: www.oatlands.org

Location/Address: 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175

Directions: Approximately 6 miles south of Leesburg on the east side of Route 15.

Education Contact at Site: Liz Wall and Elizabeth Simon, House Managers; for scheduling, contact Joanne Phillips, Visitor Services Representative

Phone: 703-777-3174 Email Address: : This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it For specific information about educational programs, contact This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Theme Addressed at Site: Land of Conflict and Reunification

Education Programs and Corresponding SOL 

Programs We Can Do at our Site:

Plantation Tour
Grades 4 or 6. SOLs: VS.1b,VS.1d, VS.1e, VS.1h, VS.4a, VS.7a, VS.8a, US1.5b, US1.5c, US1.9a, US1.9b, US1.9f, US1.10b, VUS.2,3.
This walking tour of the property discusses the importance of agriculture in Virginia, the diversification of business enterprises as this relates to the self-sufficiency of a plantation, and the role of slavery in terms of agricultural and economic development.

Sandbox Archaeology
Grades 4-6. SOLs: VS.1a, VS.1d, VS.1e, VS.1h, USI.1
Students participate in a mock archaeological dig, during which they learn the basic goals and methods of archaeology and how archaeology contributes to our understanding of material culture.

Schoolhouse Tour
Grade 4. SOLs: VS.1d, VS.1e, VS.1f, VS.8a, VS.8b, VS.9a
Students view a one-room schoolhouse and learn (1) how school was conducted in the 19th and early 20th century, (2) how the school building was used and how this contrasts with modern schools, (3) about the segregation of the sexes and the races in earlier schools, and (4) compare the lives of earlier children with their own.

Mansion Tour
Grade 4. SOLs: VS.1b, VS.1d, VS.1e, VS.1h, VS.4a, VS.7a, VS.8a.
Students tour the Oatlands mansion and learn about the 200 years of history there, including the role of local Virginians in the Civil War, the effects of Reconstruction on the local economy and the personal lives of Virginians, and the development of new industries and changes in land use.

Other Site Features of Interest to Students and Teachers

Oatlands Plantation includes the classic plantation outbuildings, although most slave housing is now gone. This was Loudoun’s largest plantation, with some 128 slaves by 1860. The site also includes the restored early 1880s Mountain Gap School, a classic, little, red, one-room school house, built in the wake of Reconstruction’s demand for public schools in the Southern States, segregated and used through the 1950’s.

Pre-Visit Materials Available 

None

Program fees and miscellaneous  

Maximum Number of Students: 150   Minimum:  None

Admission/Program Fee: $3/student; Teachers & chaperones in 1:10 ratio with students are free.

Handicap Accessibility: The Carriage House, including the gift shop and restrooms, is accessible to physically disabled persons. Gravel pathways lead to the house and gardens. The garden is terraced and has multiple staircases. A video tour is available for those who are unable or prefer not to navigate the paths or steps to the mansion. Persons with special needs are encouraged to call 703-777-3174 for more information.

Bus/Vehicle Accessibility: Yes

Season of Operation:April through December

Hours of Operation: Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Oatlands is closed January through March and on Thanksgiving Day, December 24, and Christmas Day.

Picnic facilities/Nearest restaurant options: There are picnic facilities at Oatlands adjacent to admission building.

Restroom accessibility: Yes

Chaperone Requirements ( No. chaperones/no. of students): 1:10

Is there anything else we should know about your site? Oatlands can increase students’ awareness of Virginia and Loudoun County history; increase students’ understanding of the role of the Carter family in the development of Loudoun County; inform students about the importance of agriculture in Virginia history; help students understand how the Civil War and Reconstruction affected local residents; and introduce students to the concept of and need for historic preservation.