Thomas Jefferson was at Eppington when a letter from President George Washington appointed him the first Secretary of State at the outbreak of the French Revolution. The widowed Jefferson left his daughters at Eppington when he went to France. His youngest daughter Lucy Elizabeth (age 2) died there of whooping cough and was the first burial in the Epps family cemetery. Her 2 year old cousin Lucy Epps was buried beside her within 2 weeks. A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey (PDF) of the graveyard at Eppington revealed 10 adult graves, 16 infant graves, and two vaults.
The mystery is where is Lucy Jefferson buried?
The images below depict Thomas Jefferson grieving at the Eppington Graveyard, a view of the tombstones and the graveyard.
The archeological potential of the slave quarter area located east of the house is staggering, and funding is needed to buy this property.
A ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was conducted at the family cemetery on Eppington Plantation in southwestern Chesterfield County, Virginia. The purpose of the survey was to help locate burials in a non-destructive way. The plantation is famous not only as the 18th century home of the Francis Eppes VI family, but also for its strong family connection to Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president of the United States.
P.O. Box 2394
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
804-748-1623
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Eppington is open to the public by appointment during the year and has an annual open house in the fall free to the public with many activities. Contact Chesterfield County Parks at 804-748-1623.
The Eppington Foundation was formed in 1991. Its mission is to preserve, restore and reconstruct Eppington and to educate the public as to its historical, cultural agricultural and architectural significance. The Foundation also raises funds to pay for projects such as repairs, paint analysis, and rebuilding the school house and kitchen. The Eppington Foundation is a tax-exempt non-profit organization with 501 (c )(3) status.
Tax deductible donations can be made to:
The Eppington Foundation
P.O. Box 40
Chesterfield, VA 23832