Sully Plantation

Sully Historic Plantation blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)

The land on which Sully Historic Site sits reportedly originally belonged to Doeg tribes. The Lee family then owned the property starting in 1725, but the house was not built until two generations later when Richard Bland Lee inherited half of the land, which was primarily used as a tobacco plantation.

The main house, kitchen, smokehouse, slave quarters, and dairy were built seven years after the inheritance, which occurred in 1787. Construction took place between 1794 and 1801. There is also a garden on the property that is laid out according to the customs of the late 18th century, including native plants and herbs. Sully remained with the Lee family until 1838 at which time it was sold to William Swartwort.

The property passed through nine other owners until 1958, at which time it was acquired by the federal government as part of the land on which Dulles Airport would be constructed. Massive pushback from conservationists saved the site from demolition, and designation as a national historic site by Dwight D. Eisenhower cemented its place as an living example of late 18th century style homes and gardens.

Know Before You Go

In addition to interpretive tours, the site hosts regular, ongoing events. There is a gift shop near the parking area with one of the most pristine bathrooms available at any public park.