Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

Historic Blenheim House 

In 1862-63, Federal soldiers left graffiti on the interior house walls of the c. 1859 brick home of the Willcoxon family.  Learn about the challenges and experience of the common soldiers who left their marks on the walls; the lives of the Willcoxon family; and the struggles and perseverance of the enslaved laborers of African descent owned by the family.

ADA Accommodations: Call 703-591-0560 or 703-385-8414.

Events

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Your Visit

Historic Blenheim and the Civil War Interpretive Center is renowned for the signatures, pictographs, and thoughts of Federal soldiers preserved on the attic and house walls of this Greek-Revival/Georgian-style brick house. This “diary on the walls” left by soldiers in 1862-1863 provides historians and visitors insight into the lives of common soldiers.  The deep effect of the Civil War also extends to the house owners--the Willcoxon Family--and to the enslaved people of African descent who they owned.  These enslaved laborers who were able to move into freedom and finally become recognized citizens of the United States.

Civil War Interpretive Center

Begin your visit at the modern Civil War Interpretive Center where a gallery features a full-sized ADA accessible replica of the house's attic. The original attic is not accessible to the public.

• Examine the graffiti up-close as tangible artifacts that provide a direct link to these soldiers and their lives.
• Learn more Civil War history with an illustrated timeline of Civil War events, artifacts that interpret the common soldier, soldier biographies, information about the family and enslaved laborers, and temporary displays.

Revealing History

Historic Blenheim, a Virginia Civil War Trails and Northern Virginia Graffiti Trail site, received a federal grant to further analyze the writings on the wall with cutting-edge multispectral technology.

To learn about the newest investigative research of the graffiti, watch the video below.