The Potomac Path was the earliest north-south route in northern Virginia. Following an ancient Indian trail, the road later became known as the King's Highway and assumed great importance for overland travel between the colonies and in the early days of the Republic. Washington and Rochambeau traveled this route to Yorktown in 1781, and the French Army used it again on its return the following year. Rippon Lodge, a portion of which was built by Col. Richard Blackburn, stands nearby.