The Glebe House
According to a historical marker erected by the Arlington County government in 1969, the glebe was initially a 500-acre farm designated for the rector of Fairfax Parish, encompassing Christ Church in Alexandria and the Falls Church.
The Glebe House is a historic residence known for its octagonal-shaped wing, constructed between 1854 and 1857. It holds historical significance due to its history as a glebe, a piece of land reserved for supporting a parish priest, originally established by the Church of England before the American Revolutionary War. Notably, it was once owned by Caleb Cushing, a prominent lawyer and diplomat who resided there from 1870 to 1878.
According to a historical marker erected by the Arlington County government in 1969, the glebe was initially a 500-acre farm designated for the rector of Fairfax Parish, encompassing Christ Church in Alexandria and the Falls Church. The original Glebe House, constructed in 1775, was situated on this property but was destroyed by a fire in 1808. It was rebuilt in 1820, and an octagonal wing was added around 1850. The residence has hosted distinguished occupants throughout its history, including the Rev. Bryan Fairfax (8th Lord Fairfax), John Peter Van Ness (Mayor of Washington), and Caleb Cushing, who served as the first U.S. Minister to China.
This historic house is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and holds the designation number 000-0003. It was also recognized by the National Park Service and added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 1972. The Arlington County Board designated the building as a historic district on January 7, 1984. Situated near Glebe Road (Virginia State Route 120), a major road in Arlington County, it takes its name from the historic Glebe lands of Fairfax Parish. The Glebe House's rich history and architectural significance continue to make it a notable landmark in the region.
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