Clarens was constructed between 1814 and 1816 in what was then Fairfax County, Virginia, three miles (5km) to the west of Alexandria.[1][6] The neighborhood later became known as Seminary Hill because of the proximity to the Virginia Theological Seminary. Reverend George Archibald Smith operated his prominent "Fairfax School" at Clarens.[6][7] Notable Fairfax School attendees included George Washington Custis Lee and George M. Dallas.[7] The school was in operation from 1850 until 1861.[8] During the American Civil War, Clarens was used as a hospital for Union Army soldiers.[5]
After the war, James Murray Mason selected Clarens as the estate at which he planned to retire.[1] On September 24, 1869, Mason officially took possession of Clarens.[1] While residing at Clarens, one of Mason's chief occupations was his correspondences.[1] Former Confederate President Jefferson Davis visited Clarens in 1870 for his final meeting with Mason and Confederate Army General Samuel Cooper.[6] Confederate Army General Robert E. Lee also visited Mason at Clarens after the war.[6][8] Mason died at Clarens on April 28, 1871.[1]
After Mason's death, Clarens subsequently became a girls school.[6] The school reopened in 1878 as Worthington School and lasted for 26 years.[8] It was later owned by William G. Thomas.[6] Upon his sale of the property in the late 1980s, Clarens was subdivided.[6] The mansion is currently located on approximately 3.5 acres (1.4ha).[6]
Before Thomas bought Clarens it was owned by Conrad M Strong; after his death it passed to his second wife Edna Johnson Strong. Mr Strong bought it from his cousin Colonel Byrd Willis, with a contingency that his wife Ann Crenshaw Willis live in the wing until she died. This she did. Mr Strong was the great great nephew of George Washington. His mother, Mary Byrd Dallas, was the daughter of Commandore Alexander James Dallas, [brother to the vice-president] and Mary Byrd Willis. His first wife, Frances T. Perry was the daughter of General Edward A. Perry [of civil war fame] Mr Strong built the guest house, the well house with bridge over a stream, bell tower, colonnade, potting house and log cabin on the crest of the hill overlooking the valley. He designed the circular drive, low walls, and laid out the extensive gardens, field of daffodils, large rose garden etc.[citation needed]
