HIDDEN GEM Sully Historic Site

Tucked away from the busy airport traffic lies Sully Historic Site. The park sits on over 128 acres and is just miles south of the Dulles International Airport at the intersection of Route 28 (Sully Road) and U.S. Route 50. In fact, if it wasn’t for Dwight D. Eisenhower, Sully Historic Site would have been demolished to build Dulles Airport. In 1959 Eisenhower signed legislation to preserve Sully as an historic site.

Sully reflects Fairfax County history. It was the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia’s first Representative to Congress and General Robert E. Lee’s uncle. Sully is on the National Register for Historic Places, is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Whether you are a seasoned history buff or a nature lover, Sully offers a unique experience to go back in time. Take a self-paced walking tour of the grounds, explore history with a guided house tour and hear stories of the Lee family. With walking trails and picnic areas, Sully makes a great place to take a hike, take pictures of the beautiful grounds, enjoy a picnic, or even watch the planes come and go at Dulles Airport.

Sully is packed full of activities for all interests and ages. Enjoy a museum program, attend summer camp, plan a school field trip, or embark on a scout adventure. The park hosts several special events including Earth Day, spring egg hunts, an annual car show, concerts and holiday candlelight tours.

The park grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about Sully Historic Site visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully-historic-site.