First found in Lancashire where they were seated from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Blackburns to arrive in North America: Daniel Blackburn who settled in Virginia in the year 1640; James Blackburn settled in Virginia in 1624; Stewart Blackborn arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1857.

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