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Rippon Lodge Historic Site
15520 Blackburn Road
Woodbridge, VA 22191
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Rippon Lodge was built around 1747 by Richard Blackburn and is one of the oldest houses still standing in Prince William County. Richard Blackburn was from Rippon, England located within Yorkshire. This modest house was built on a hilltop overlooking the mouth of Neabsco Creek and the Potomac River and was surrounded by several other structures during the 18th century. |
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Rippon Lodge passed to Richard Blackburn’s son, Lt. Col. Thomas Blackburn. Thomas Blackburn served in the Virginia militia during the American Revolution and was active in local and Virginia politics. Thomas Blackburn enlarged Rippon Lodge in 1800. His slaves and servants grew tobacco and wheat. Blackburn exported both valuable commodities from nearby Dumfries, then a bustling port town. The house was also located on the King's Highway, known today as Route 1. Many travelers used this road, including George Mason, a local leader who helped shape the growth of Dumfries along with Thomas Blackburn and George Washington. Rippon Lodge featured its own port at Neabsco Creek. |
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| The rich history of Rippon Lodge does not end with Thomas Blackburn. The Atkinson family lived on the property for about 100 years beginning around 1820. In 1924, Judge and Mrs. Wade Ellis purchased the house. Ellis was a federal judge in Washington D.C. He is regarded as the person responsible for preserving much of the history of Rippon Lodge, as well as for renovating the house. |
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Admiral Richard Blackburn Black, another descendant of the Blackburn family, purchased the property from Judge Ellis’ widow. Admiral Black was noted for his exploration of Antarctica along with Admiral Richard Byrd. Admiral Black's daughter inherited Rippon Lodge in 1989. She sold the property to Prince William County in 2000. |
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Rippon Lodge has recently been restored. It is opened to the public from May through October and for special events. The County is very excited and proud to be the caretaker of this important historic home. |
| Visiting Rippon Lodge
Tours of Rippon Lodge are offered from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, May through October, and by appointment. Grounds are open during operating hours. We offer a special location for your upcoming social or business lunch. Learn more about our tours and a lunch at Luncheons at Rippon Lodge.
For information about tours and programs, contact:
Rippon Lodge Historic Site
15520 Blackburn Road
Woodbridge, VA 22191
703-499-9812 or 703-792-4754
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