About The Blackburn: The Beginnings

The history of The Blackburn Inn & Conference Center is as unique as it is interesting. From its beginnings in the 1800s to now, this property has had amazing restorations to bring it back to life. Book today and experience this unique stay for yourself!

Thomas Blackburn’s Beginnings
Our story starts in the early 1800s, before The Blackburn’s buildings even started to be built. In 1819, Thomas Jefferson finished building the University of Virginia at Charlottesville (1). During the construction, Thomas Blackburn was positioned in Jefferson’s work crew, catching Jefferson’s attention so much that he loaned Blackburn his rare copy of Leoni’s edition of Palladio’s “Four Books.” Afterwards, Thomas became an architect himself, assisting with creating houses in Albemarle County (2).

Becoming the Western State Hospital
By 1828, the Virginia state government hired architect William Small to design and create the original 80-acre medical facility called the Western State Hospital (5). This hospital became one of the busiest in Virginia over the next few years, and ultimately required expansion following the requests of Dr. Frances T. Stribling. In 1836, Thomas Blackburn was hired to lead the renovation project (3). Blackburn’s belief in this renovation centered around the ability to improve the lives of society’s most vulnerable individuals (2). Stribling and Blackburn worked together to design and create new room wings, verdant gardens, and a magnificent cupola on the main building (3). 

In these early stages, the Western State Hospital was renowned as offering top-tier mental healthcare in the United States. It operated as a sanctuary with resort-style amenities, featuring the terrace gardens and scenic roof-walks overlooking the beautiful mountains (4). 

Transforming into the Staunton Correctional Center
Eventually the Western State Hospital moved locations and the buildings turned into the Staunton Correctional Center, which was a medium-security men’s penitentiary (4). This ran as the correctional center from 1981 to 2002 (6). The property then remained vacant for a few years, until it was purchased by Robin Miller and Associates in 2006 (3).

A New Life as The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center
Since Robin Miller and Associates acquired the land, they have been redeveloping the site, building by building. While the main goal was to transform the site into the beautiful boutique hotel it is today, an additional objective was to restore all of the architecture into its original magnificence (3). “The Village at Staunton” was eventually created, with the first condominium being sold in 2008. The next building to be renovated after that was the administration building, which is now the main hotel, conference center, and spa (4). In 2018, The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Historic Hotels notes “this fantastic historic hotel continues to provide upscale accommodations and world-class customer service to all who visit. Few places in the Shenandoah Valley are better for a wonderful vacation experience than the Blackburn Inn & Conference Center.” (3)

There is so much more to say about how The Blackburn has grown from its beginnings. We are excited to continue the About the Blackburn series and give you all of the details in the upcoming months. Book your stay at our historic hotel today!