Skip to main content

Oldest brick dwelling in North America c.1665

The John Marshall House

Admission Details

Interior tours are available March-December each year.

Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (June, July, August)
Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Preservation Virginia Members: Free
General Admission: $15
AAA, Senior (60+), Military Discount: $12
Students: $10
Children (Under 6): Free

Schedule Tour
Purchase a membership today for free admission to all six historic sites and more!

About the Castle

Bacon’s Castle is the oldest brick dwelling in North America and was built for Arthur Allen and his family in 1665. Originally known as Allen’s Brick House, it earned the moniker “Bacon’s Castle” in 1676 when several of Nathaniel Bacon’s men occupied the home for four months during the uprising that became known as Bacon’s Rebellion.

Bacon’s Castle is a rare example of High Jacobean architecture. The home features a reconstructed 17th-century English formal garden restored by the Garden Club of Virginia. Several outbuildings also survive, including an 1830 slave dwelling, 1820s smokehouse and a barn dating back to 1700.

The site covers four centuries of unique history in Virginia, including experiences of enslaved and free Africans and African Americans who lived, labored and sought freedom at the site. Preservation Virginia acquired Bacon’s Castle in the 1970’s at auction and meticulously researched, restored and furnished the house in the 1980’s.

Plan Your Visit

Guided Interior Tours
Ticketed, 45 minute guided tours of the house are available during operating hours. Group tours and private tours are available seven days a week year-round, contact us for additional information.
Self-Guided Exterior Cell Phone Tour

Use your personal cell phone and explore the grounds of Bacon’s Castle, including the 17th century garden, by following a numbered path and learn about the site’s history and architecture.

Amenities

There are shaded picnic tables on-site, feel free to pack a lunch for a picnic. Children 15 years-old or younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. You can hop on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry for free to visit Preservation Virginia’s Historic Jamestowne or take a short car ride to Smith’s Fort, with a combo ticket!

Key Visitor Information

Parking and Arrival

Ample onsite parking is available. For special accessibility requests, contact us in advance.
VisitAble Advocate Certification

Get in Touch

For information on pricing and availability contact us at:
Schedule Tour
Membership

Events at Bacon’s Castle

All Events
Voices Remembered

African American history at Bacon’s Castle

Bacon’s Castle African American History spans 350 years. Through community led research we are uncovering more about Black history through multiple periods of occupation. 

Learn More

Bacon’s Castle Stories

Secret Link