Robinson Farm

Working at odd jobs throughout the Manassas Junction area, including as a waiter at Thomas R. Hampton's Tavern, James was able to save up enough money to purchase 170 acres from John Lee, a local planter, in 1840 to establish a farm and build this home. This home was a small 400 square foot house which would remain unchanged until 1871.

On his farm Robinson grew wheat, corn, and potatoes, and raised pigs, cattle, chickens, turkeys, geese, guineas, and ducks. Using his experience as a waiter and taking advantage of the farm's location along Warrenton Turnpike (now Route 29) Robinson set up a Drover's Tavern at the edge of his property about 1850.