Rippon Lodge History
Built circa 1747 by Richard Blackburn, the house is situated between Neabsco Creek, the Potomac River, and the historic King's Highway (present day Route 1). Mr. Blackburn, and his son Thomas, had extensive land holdings in the county where they grew tobacco, wheat, and other commodities. With the home located just north of the bustling port town of Dumfries, the Blackburn's could easily export their goods and merchandise to England. Mr. Blackburn and Thomas were both active in local politics, and Thomas served in the Revolutionary War as a militia member.
By 1842, the Atkinson Family called Rippon Lodge home for about 90 years before the property was sold to Wade Ellis in 1924. Ellis, and his wife Dessie, purchased 500 acres and began extensive renovations to the home, turning it into the Colonial Revival residence visitors see today. Ellis, a prominent lawyer from Washington D.C., is regarded as being responsible for preserving much of the history of Rippon Lodge.
Admiral Richard Blackburn Black, the last private owner of Rippon Lodge, purchased the home in 1952, and continued to preserve the home and history as Wade Ellis had. Admiral Black was a direct descendent of the original builder Richard Blackburn, and has been linked to many important historical events, including his exploration of Antarctica with Admiral Richard Byrd. Admiral Black's daughter sold the property to Prince William County in 2000.
Extensive restoration work began at Rippon Lodge soon after, and was completed in 2007 when the site opened for public tours. Rippon Lodge Historic Site consists of 43-acres, the Blackburn and Atkinson Family cemetery, formal gardens, and walking trails. The site interprets the history of the house and owners from 1747 to 2000. Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and gardens. Stunning views of the Potomac River allow for boat and bird watching of all kinds.
Stewards of Historic and Environmental Resources 
Staff with the Historic Preservation serve as leaders in protecting our community's historic and natural resources. We play an active role in the protection, preservation and restoration of the environment under our care. We establish meadows on our properties, look for ecologically friendly ways to mow and maintain the grounds, and use trees from sites to mill our own lumber for our restoration projects.
Rippon Lodge is proud to now serve as a bee sanctuary to help bee populations recover and increase in numbers. Learn more.
Rippon Lodge Time Line
1747 Rippon Lodge built by Richard Blackburn
1757 Thomas Blackburn inherits Rippon Lodge
1772 Thomas Blackburn elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses
1785 Julia Ann Blackburn marries Bushrod Washington
1811 Bushrod Washington sells Rippon Lodge to George Atkinson
1911 Thomas Marron purchases Rippon Lodge
1924 Wade Hampton Ellis purchases Rippon Lodge
1952 Admiral Richard Blackburn Black purchases Rippon Lodge
2000 Debra Black Decko sells Rippon Lodge to Prince William County
2007 Rippon Lodge opens
Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for History and Garden Enthusiasts to help with tours at this lovely site. If you are interested in joining our team to protect the historic and natural resources of our community, please contact us at 703-792-4754 or visit our volunteer page.
Join Us For a Virtual Tour!
You are invited to take a virtual tour of Rippon Lodge with local historians to discover the grandeur and importance of this important colonial home.
Rippon Lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a participating member of the Historic House Museum Consortium of Metropolitan Washington DC. Please visit their website below to learn about over 40 historic house museums in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, including Mount Vernon, Riversdale White House, and many more! www.dchousemuseums.org
Visiting Rippon Lodge
Tours of Rippon Lodge are offered May through October from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and by appointment. Grounds are open during operating hours. Special events, programs and tours are offered throughout the year. We also provide Passport Stamps for the Potomac Heritage Trail, and a National Park Service trail that runs from the Allegheny Highlands to the mouth of the Potomac River at our gift shop.
We offer very popular luncheons. These lunches may be served indoors or picnic style, just perfect for small groups of any kind!
For information about tours and programs contact:
Rippon Lodge Historic Site
15520 Blackburn Road
Woodbridge VA 22191
703-499-9812 or 703-792-4754 (main office)
Directions:
From Interstate 95: Take Exit 156 (78 E/Dale Boulevard) toward Rippon Landing. Follow Rippon Boulevard across Jefferson Davis Hwy./Rt.1. Turn right onto Blackburn Road. Travel ¼ mile and turn right onto Admiral Black Drive.
From Rt. 234: Turn left (north) onto Jefferson Davis Hwy./Rt. 1. Travel 2.9 miles and turn right onto Blackburn Road. Drive approximately one mile and turn left onto Admiral Black Drive.
For more information on historic resources in the Prince William County area click here.
