Kenwood: Home of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies

Kenwood is the home of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies. Built between 1939 and 1941 for Major General and Mrs. Edwin M. Watson on 78.5 acres of land (once owned by Jefferson), it served initially as a weekend retreat and later as a permanent residence. Major General Edwin Watson, a senior military aide, was the friend and personal secretary of Franklin D. Roosevelt who adopted Kenwood as his Camp David during his presidency and retreated here on several occasions. The guest cottage was built in 1940-41 for Roosevelt, though he stayed there on only one occasion, preferring the social activity of the main house. On subsequent visits, including four days in June 1944 awaiting the Normandy invasion, he slept in the front bedroom of the main house. Mrs. Watson bequeathed Kenwood to the University of Virginia, which in turn has leased the property to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.

Map of ICJS Campus

Drawing of ICJS Campus by Justin M. Kilmon; Copyright 2001 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Inc.