Information & history on back of plaque:
In 1806,  Thomas Jefferson directed the laying of the octagonal foundation for the retreat home he designed on his plantation near Lynchburg.   After his second term as President ended,  he made regular visits to Poplar Forest,  where he enjoyed reading,  writing,  studying,  and gardening.   This retreat - one of his most creative architectural and landscape designs - is now open to the public while it undergoes award-winning restoration and archaeology.   To learn more,  visit Poplar Forest

Information & history on back of plaque:
The Octagon (1799-1801),  a National Historic Landmark site,  was designed by Dr.  William Thornton,  first architect of the U.S. Capitol,  for Col.  John Tayloe III.   Not an octagon as defined today,  a shape with eight sides,  the home of the Tayloe's was built with eight angles,  the 17th century definition of an octagon.   When the British burned the White House during the War of 1812,  James and Dolly Madison took up residence at the Octagon,  just two blocks from the presidential mansion.   President Madison ratified the Treaty of Ghent five months later in the upstairs parlor.   Today,  the Octagon is the museum of the American Architectural Foundation,  featuring tours of the restored building,  education programs,  exhibitions,  and events.   Visitors delight in the elegant round foyer with its marble floor,  the grand stair hall and the unexpected brilliant colors of this federal period home.