While serving in Washington D.C., John Tyler purchased a 1,600 acre plantation along the James River , not far from where he had grown up. He christened the house Sherwood Forest since he considered himself "a political Robin Hood."

Tyler expanded the manor house by connecting his separate law office to the main house with a 68-foot-long ballroom. Completed in 1844, the home is three stories tall but only one room deep, with a façade that stretches 300 feet! It holds the distinction of being the longest frame house in America. This unique mansion has 24 rooms, seven sets of stairs, and 18 fireplaces.

Colorful gardens and lush woods were enjoyed by the 15 Tyler children (eight from his first marriage, seven from his second). Sherwood Forest is still owned and operated by direct descendants of President Tyler.