Richard Blackburn (1710-1757), noted for his craftsmanship on the first Falls Church and other structures for prominent landowners, including the Washington family, built Rippon Lodge as his main estate house circa 1747. His son Thomas Blackburn, a Revolutionary War veteran, expanded the house circa 1800. Wade Ellis altered it again to its present Colonial Revival style after 1924. Antarctic explorer Admiral Richard Blackurn Black, a descendant of Richard Blackburn, acquired the house in 1952. Prince William County purchased Rippon Lodge in 1999, and the house and its remaining 42 acres opened to the public in 2007.