Rapidan Camp
The Brown House

The Rapidan Brown House building.

President Hoover could sit on the porch of the Brown House and cast his fishing line into the Rapidan River—perfection for him! The Brown House still stands today at Rapidan Camp. It has been restored and historically refurnished to look just like it did when the Hoovers were there.

The large outdoor fireplace and chimney.

Lou Henry Hoover loved the smell of a campfire. Even in the heat of summer everyone could enjoy a social time and even a roasted hotdog! It was also a photo opportunity on the rare occasion when the press came to the camp.

A modern day view of the large outdoor fireplace and chimney.

Modern Day
Restoration

Throughout the years The Brown House has been repurposed many times: as a Boy Scout Camp, as a retreat for Presidents, Congressmen and Congresswomen, Supreme Court Judges, and other Washington officials, as a conference center for government offices, and then finally back to its original appearance to tell the stories so important to the nation and to Shenandoah National Park. The images below compare the original appearance with the present day restoration.

Porch with four chairs and a table.
Modern-day photo showing green roof and brown siding and porch.

The outside porch, original and present day.

Interior room with door closed.
Interior room with door open, showing further rooms.

The interior, original and present day.

The living room containing four people in various seating in front of a fire stoked by a servant.
The living room, empty without a fire.

The living room, original and present day.

The bedroom, containing a twin bed and night stand.
Modern day photo of the bedroom, showing brown wooden walls and floors and green pillows on the bed.

The bedroom, original and present day.