Article

The Robinson House - Historical Background

Black and white photograph of Robinson House ca. 1900, two young African American boys stand at the front of the house
Robinson House ca. 1900, Manassas National Battlefield Park.

NPS

The Robinson House site was the home of a free African-American family, the Robinsons, from the late 1840s through 1936. James Robinson, also known as "Gentleman Jim," was a free African-American born in 1799. James and a slave named Susan Gaskins had six children, all born into slavery. Susan and four of the children were the property of John Lee, a resident of the Manassas area. Eventually, Robinson purchased two of his sons from Lee. The remainder of his family was legally entrusted to Robinson upon Lee's death in 1847. Robinson constructed his house in the 1840s, and the family made structural additions through 1926. The original house is believed to have been completely removed during the 1926 renovations. The Robinson house stood until 1993 when arsonists burned part of the structure.

Robinson House Through Time

Photograph of first Robinson House constructed in the 1840s, as it appeared in March 1862 Photograph of first Robinson House constructed in the 1840s, as it appeared in March 1862

Left image
First Robinson House constructed in the 1840s, as it appeared in March 1862
Credit: NPS

Right image
The 1926 era Robinson House. Photo taken in 1949.
Credit: NPS

Photograph of the Robinson House site in 1995 prior to the removal of the chimney. All that remains standing is the chimney.
The Robinson House site in 1995 prior to the removal of the chimney.

NPS

Part of a series of articles titled African American Households.

Next: Archeological Excavations at the Robinson House

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Manassas National Battlefield Park

Last updated: October 17, 2022