Rokeby
In the War of 1812, the house was used to safekeep the Constitution and other documents

Historic Site

Not open to the public

Things to do and see

Location

Leesburg, VA
2.4 mi. SW of Leesburg off VA 650

Contact information

On the Web

During the War of 1812, with the city of Washington in flames, 22 wagonloads of United States documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, much of George Washington's correspondences, and Congressional and State Department records, were brought to Rokeby for safekeeping.

Rokeby was built in 1757 by Charles Binns II, first clerk of the circuit court of Loudoun County. The nation's founding documents were kept in a still-intact vaulted room in the cellar.

Much of its original Georgian character was changed in 1836 when, in the course of an extensive renovation by its owner, Benjamin Shreve, Jr., the clipped gables were removed, the windows were remodeled, and the interior trim was replaced. The house was enlarged in 1886 with an extensive rear addition and was returned somewhat to its early appearance during a 1958 restoration.

Today Rokeby is a private residence.

Designations
National Register of Historic Places

Rokeby In the War of 1812, the house was used to safekeep the Constitution and other documents

Rokeby
In the War of 1812, the house was used to safekeep the Constitution and other documents