Meet Us
View of The Blackburn Inn entrance
View of a sophisticated social area

A Storied History

So Many Chapters

Every stay has a story. Originally built nearly two centuries ago as a place of rest, relaxation, and tranquility, The Blackburn Inn & Conference Center is steeped in years of fascinating history and local lore.

History Timeline

Chapter One

The Blackburn Inn was formerly the Main Administration Building for the Old Western State Hospital. Constructed between 1825 and 1828 and led by American Psychiatric Association co-founder Doctor Frances T. Stribling, Western State Hospital practiced a then unheard-of “moral treatment,” focusing on the emotional well-being of patients. He soon decided to expand the complex to provide the best amenities possible.

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Chapter One

The Blackburn Inn was formerly the Main Administration Building for the Old Western State Hospital. Constructed between 1825 and 1828 and led by American Psychiatric Association co-founder Doctor Frances T. Stribling, Western State Hospital practiced a then unheard-of “moral treatment,” focusing on the emotional well-being of patients. He soon decided to expand the complex to provide the best amenities possible.

Dr. Stribling hired architect Thomas R. Blackburn to lead an expansive renovation in the mid-1830s. A respected protégé of Thomas Jefferson, Blackburn incorporated Jeffersonian-esque design elements, and together, Stribling and Blackburn added spacious room wings, magnificent gardens, and a hand-crafted spiral staircase leading to a cupola and rooftop veranda.

History Timeline

Chapter Two

Western State Hospital later relocated, and the original property was transformed into a medium-security prison in 1981. Edward Murray, the first superintendent of the correctional facility, appreciated the beautiful landscape and preserved as much of the original property as he could.

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Chapter Two

Western State Hospital later relocated, and the original property was transformed into a medium-security prison in 1981. Edward Murray, the first superintendent of the correctional facility, appreciated the beautiful landscape and preserved as much of the original property as he could.

Once the correctional facility closed, the city of Staunton took over ownership and began searching for a developer to restore the historic buildings and grounds. Richmond-based firm Miller and Associates proved they could take on the task and in 2006, Miller and Associates became the new owners of the 80-acre property and what is now known as The Villages of Staunton, an upscale, mixed-use community.

History Timeline

And Now...

The Blackburn Inn & Conference Center officially opened in June 2018 as Virginia’s newest and most elegant boutique hotel. The development team was able to maintain many of the original and treasured architectural features, including the signature spiral staircase, classical arches, hardwood pine floors, and traditional fireplaces, all while creating 49 unique guest rooms, an art gallery, and an intimate, Southern-inspired restaurant.

Notes and Lore

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.