Origins.
Richard Blackburn, a carpenter by trade from Ripon, England, built
Rippon Lodge around 1747 on the banks of Neabsco Creek, on a tract
bounded by the Potomac
River, and along the Kings Highway, a colonial-era north-south roadway. The modest wood
frame house — originally four rooms and an upstairs loft,
and roughly 34 x 31 feet — was situated strategically for the ease of moving
goods to market at the Port of Dumfries. A lucrative trade in tobacco and other
goods made Blackburn, who also owned other properties, a wealthy
Virginia gentleman rather quickly. Upon Richard’s death in 1757, his son,
Thomas, inherited his father’s home and properties. Thomas Blackburn followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in public office.
He also was a
Lt. Colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and
entertained George Washington at Rippon Lodge on several occassions. Thomas
made additions to the house in 1800, adding a
grand staircase and additional rooms on the first floor. His daughter, Nancy, and her
husband, Bushrod Washington (George Washington’s nephew), inherited
Rippon Lodge in 1808. This painting by Benjamin Latrobe depicts the
plantation circa 1798. Today's house is the one on the right.