The Western State Hospital
The Western State Hospital was built in this location because of the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road
which went through the city of Staunton. This central location was ideal in providing easy access up
and down the east coast.
The Gardens
Four acres of meadowland were purchased in 1837 for gardens, orchards, tillage, and pasturage as a
farm to table concept. The farms were to help replenish and heal the patients who were staying here,
and patients had the opportunity to help work on the farms if they wished to do so.
The Chapel
The 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore visited the hospital in 1851 and attended a
church service in the chapel building. A friend and philanthropist who was traveling with the President
at the time donated the pipe organ that still exists in the chapel.
Circular Driveway
Thomas Blackburn designed the circular driveway leading up to the Administration building (now The
Blackburn Inn) to enhance the grandness of the building, the hospitality of the entrance, and the beauty
of the grounds. Not only did he want the property to be a place of healing, but he also wanted it to be
pleasing to the eye.
Opening
The Blackburn Inn opened in June 2018 as Virginia’s newest luxury boutique hotel. It was named in honor of architect Thomas Blackburn, and during renovation one of the workers found his signature and seal in a hidden area of the building.
Architecture
The unique architectural features in The Blackburn Inn are the heart pine floors and classical molding
around the doorways which date to the day it was built. The transom windows on the third floor were
the inspiration behind the Blackburn logo. The hand-crafted spiral staircase leading to a rooftop cupola
offers spectacular views of the property and downtown Staunton!
Restoration
It has been our labor of love to restore this historic architectural gem to Its original grandeur while
paying respect to the architects and honoring the history. One can’t help but appreciate that almost
200 years later, the timeless beauty of the architectural details and grounds have the same healing
effect as designed.
Gazebo
The gazebo was built in 1877 and is found to the right as you are coming up the main driveway. It has been restored and is still in use today.
Second Draft
The bistro and bar were named “Second Draft” as the renovation gave the building a second chance, to
pay tribute to the architects and their drafting tables, and to encourage guests to stay for a second draft
in this intimate setting!
The Fountains
The twin fountains which greet you as you are coming up the drive are the original fountains created by Thomas Blackburn. The fountains were a part of a later added landscape plan in 1871. They have since been restored and are still in use to this day.
Conference Center and Spa
The Conference Center and The Spa at The Blackburn had their grand opening in September 2020.
These buildings were constructed in 1865 and served as a laundry for the hospital. They now host a
variety of events In The Great Hall and Gallery 1828.
Iron Fence
The Iron fence that runs along the outskirts of the property was installed in 1848. The purpose was not
to keep patients in but to keep the Staunton residents out. Since no parks existed in town at that time, it
was common for Staunton residents to use the front lawns as a picnic area which was not conducive with the privacy of healing patients.
Antique Drafting Table
The Blackburn Inn pays tribute to the architects and architectural features of the building by using an
antique drafting table as our reception desk. T-squares used by draftsmen for drawing lines on a
drafting table are incorporated in every room.
The Wheary
The Wheary building was built in 1935 and has been transformed into The Penthouse. This space provides a spectacular two-level private loft including a rooftop deck overlooking downtown Staunton which is ideal for family gatherings, weddings, and meetings.
