Scott Foley's family history is bringing up intense feelings for the actor.

The Scandal star appears on this week's Who Do You Think You Are? to explore his American colonial ancestor's ties to our nation's first president, serving as a member of then-General George Washington's "Life Guard" during the Revolutionary War.

"It was partly a security detail for Washington to protect his person. Also, his papers, which were incredibly valuable," Foley is told of the role his 5x great-grandfather, Simon Wardwell, had while serving his country. "This house was General Washington's headquarters from July 1775 until April 1776."

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"You're probably standing yards from where he may have stood guard," Foley learns while visiting the grounds of Washington's former Cambridge, Massachusetts, compound, which brings up a quietly heavy moment for the 43-year-old actor.

"Amazing. There is something surprisingly emotional about that for me," Foley says. "I don't know why."

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Watch the video above to see the moment play out.

Scott Foley’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? airs this Sunday at 9/8c on TLC.

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Meanwhile, ET caught up with Foley and his Scandal co-star, Dan Bucatinsky recently for a mini-reunion, after (SPOILERS) James Novak (Bucatinsky's character on the show) met his untimely death in season three.

"I forgot you got an Emmy out of this, dude," Foley joked, to which Bucatinsky responded, "That was my parting gift. That was my swag bag for leaving. For being murdered."

During the interview, Scott also addressed the MAJOR twist from this past week's episode.

Watch the video below for more.