"Near here stood Ravensworth, a Fitzhugh and Lee family home.  Built about 1796 by William Fitzhugh, the mansion stood on the largest single land grant in Fairfax County, the 21,966 acres acquired by Fitzhugh's great-grandfather in 1685.  During the Civil War the house was not molested by either side.  After the war Ravensworth came in the possession of Robert E. Lee's second son, Maj. Gen. W. H. F. ("Rooney") Lee.  Ravensworth, a frame Palladian-style mansion, was one of the most imposing residences in Fairfax County until it burned in 1926."

For more information on Ravenworth and the Fitzhugh family go here.

Photograph and link information courtesy of  "Big Mike" and Pam Muckenthaler . (May 2004)

Editorial Comment:  "Big Mike" and Pam Muckenthaler have made many pictorial contributions to "The Signs Of History" project.  Through their contributions, visitors have learned much about the history of Virginia and early America.

Return to Fairfax County marker listing.