Gunston Hall, built ca. 1755-59, was the plantation home of George Mason, founding father and principal author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights. His call for freedom of the press, tolerance of religion, and other individual rights inspired many seminal freedom documents worldwide, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Bill of Rights, and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Georgian-style mansion features some of the finest 18th-century ornamental architecture in the country, with exquisite interiors largely designed by Mason’s indentured London carpenter William Buckland and intricately hand carved by William Bernard Sears. Guided Mansion tours are offered every 30 minutes; guests may also explore the outbuildings, museum exhibits, gift shop, and 550 acres of meadows, woodlands and nature trails.
The Mission of Gunston Hall is to utilize fully the physical and scholarly resources of Gunston Hall to stimulate continuing public exploration of democratic ideals as first presented by George Mason in the 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights.
Location:
10709 Gunston Road
Lorton, VA 22079
Hours:
Mansion and Museum Open Daily 9:30 am – 5:00 pm with guided tours every 1/2 hour until 4:30 pm;
Grounds close at 6:00 pm
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day
Website: http://www.gunstonhall.org