Sully Historic Site | Fairfax

Sully Historic Site is a preserved 18th-century plantation located in Fairfax, Virginia, USA.

It preserves the original home and outbuildings of Richard and Anne Marshall Scott.

Visual Characteristics

The main house is a two-story Georgian-style brick structure with a hipped roof. The exterior brickwork is a reddish-brown hue. A central brick chimney stack is present on each side of the house. Outbuildings include a smokehouse, a stone kitchen, and a frame barn, all constructed with period-appropriate materials and designs.

Location & Access Logistics

Sully Historic Site is situated at 3650 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia. It is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) west of the Fairfax city center. Access is via Old Lee Highway, which connects to U.S. Route 50. Parking is available on-site in a designated lot. The nearest public transport stop is the Fairfax City Transit Center, located approximately 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) east, requiring a taxi or ride-share service for the final leg.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The main house was constructed circa 1794 by Richard Scott, a planter and merchant. The site was originally part of a larger agricultural estate. The land is characterized by rolling terrain with mixed deciduous forest and open fields, typical of the Piedmont region of Virginia.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the main house and select outbuildings. Interpretive programs detailing colonial life and agricultural practices are offered. The grounds are suitable for walking and observing the historical landscape. Photography of the exterior structures and grounds is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center. Limited shaded areas are present around the main house and picnic tables. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available on the property. No on-site food vendors are present; visitors should bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on the exterior structures, early morning or late afternoon is recommended. The site is open year-round, but spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most temperate weather for outdoor exploration. No tide-dependent activities are relevant to this site.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical detail is that Richard Scott served as a justice of the peace for Fairfax County. Local lore suggests that the original construction of the house was completed in a single year, a testament to the labor available at the time.

Nearby Landmarks

• George Mason University (1.6km Southeast)
• Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center (2.4km East)
• Old Town Fairfax (2.4km East)
• Green Spring Gardens (3.2km Southwest)