Weems-Botts House (Dumfries, Virginia)

 museum, house, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, historic landmark

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Mason Locke Weems bought this home in 1798 to use as a bookstore and for lodging while he traveled the East Coast selling books for the Mathew Cary Publishing Company.

This split-level home was built at different times. The smaller section, which now houses the Weems bookstore and attic, was purchased by Weems. However, it is not clear when the second portion of the house was built.

In 1802, Weems sold this home to Benjamin Botts, one of Aaron Burr's attorneys. He and his family moved to a brick home off Route 640 in Dumfries.

The Weems-Botts House is thought to be the oldest structure in Dumfries.

Now operated as a museum, the house is furnished with items representing the period of Weems' ownership. A number of Weems' works are on display, and the museum maintains sources for the Weems family genealogy.