Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 01/05/1971
NRHP Listing Date 07/02/1971
DHR's Virginia Board of Historic Resources easement
NRHP Reference Number 71000988
The core of the small plantation dwelling of Rippon Lodge was constructed in the second quarter of the 18th century in Prince William County. Constructed by Richard Blackburn, colonial entrepreneur and public servant, who named this tract after his native Rippon (Ripon), England. Among his many pursuits, Blackburn was a building contractor and is said to have designed and built Rippon Lodge himself. Carefully sited on a hill with a view down Neabsco Creek to the Potomac, the house has acquired a picturesque aspect with its numerous later additions, which include a columned veranda. The interior preserves much original fabric including two fully paneled rooms. Blackburn’s son Thomas was active in the Revolutionary War effort and entertained George Washington at Rippon Lodge on several occasions. The architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe also visited Rippon Lodge in 1796 and made a sketch of the house showing a now vanished companion structure.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: June 2, 2022
