John Tyler
10th President
1790-1862
Whig (though he was later exiled and became a Democrat)
Became President when Harrison died
Helped to establish trade with China and other Asian countries
Birthplace: Charles City, VA
John Tyler, Jr. was born here on March 29th, 1790. It is named "Greenway Plantation". It is privately owned today, but the grave of his father, Judge John Tyler, Sr., is located on the grounds.
The Story
On April 3, 2024, I had planned an early day in Charles City. Following our tour of Berkeley Plantation, we visited Greenway Plantation. While the house is privately owned, my dad and I wandered around the grounds, (which made us feel sketchy, as this is a private residence and I didn't want to disturb the owners), and we found the grave of Judge John Tyler, Sr. I did learn later that there have been attempts by the people who run Sherwood Forest to buy the home and turn it into a museum. I hope this is able to be done, because I will gladly return to Charles City and tour both homes another time!
The home
Sign located outside Greenway Plantation
Home: Charles City, VA
John Tyler lived here from 1842-1862. Legend says, that a ghost known as "The Gray Lady" haunts the home. The grounds also contain gardens, and a cemetery, where many of his pets are interred. The house is named "Sherwood Forest Plantation". It was once home to his grandson, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, and now offers tours on a semi-regular basis.
The Story
While I started my day in Charles City on a roll, by shortly before noon we pulled into Sherwood Forest Plantation. Unfortunately, we were too late and missed our scheduled tour, but we did explore the grounds. This is my biggest regret from the trip, and I hope that I can find my way back to tour the home some day.
Gallery
Gravesite: Richmond, VA
John Tyler died in 1862, and was buried in Hollywood Cemetery, due to the Civil War. (He wished to be buried at Sherwood Forest, but the ongoing Civil War prevented that from becoming a reality).
The story
On April 2, 2024, we took the opportunity to visit Hollywood Cemetery, as I was excited to see the graves of the "three" presidents buried within.
Grave
Tyler's grave was even taller than I expected it to be.
Dad by the grave
Me by the grave
