Fairfax, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Historic Blenheim
A family farm, a Civil War encampment site, and a country home, Historic Blenheim now welcomes visitors to explore its landscape and many stories.
Over 200 years ago, family patriarch Rezin Willcoxon moved here from Prince Georges County, Maryland. By the Civil War, his extended family owned most of the acreage along today’s Old Lee Highway. A labor force, including a small number of African-American slaves, aided the family’s growing prosperity.
During the Civil War, Union soldiers camped and convalesced here, interrupting life for the Willcoxons, and leaving behind signatures and pictographs on the farmhouse walls. Preserved by Willcoxon descendants until the last family owner died in 1997, the evocative power of these writings prompted local citizens to lobby to save Blenheim as an historic site.
The City of Fairfax purchased the c.1859 Blenheim House and surrounding 12 acres for $2.2 million in 1999 and undertook a process of stabilization, conservation, and restoration that continues today. Completion of the Civil War Interpretive Center in 2008 ensures that the process of discovery and education at Blenheim will continue for many future generations.
Erected by City of Fairfax, Virginia. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Northern Virginia Civil War Graffiti Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1997.
Location. 38° 51.323′ N, 77° 17.598′ W. Marker is in Fairfax, Virginia. Marker can be reached from Old Lee Highway. The marker is located at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax VA 22030, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Blenheim (Willcoxon Farm) (a few steps from this marker); Dairy Barn Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Blenheim House (within shouting distance of this marker); Boxwood Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Willcoxon Family Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grandma's Cottage (about 300 feet away); Old Baptismal Area (approx. 0.8 miles away); Historic Fairfax Elementary School (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.