UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Stewart L. Udall, Secretary
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Conrad L. Wirth, Director
HISTORICAL HANDBOOK NUMBER SIX
This publication is one of a series of handbooks describing thehistorical and archeological areas in the National Park Systemadministered by the National Park Service of the United StatesDepartment of the Interior. It is printed by the GovernmentPrinting Office and may be purchased from the Superintendent ofDocuments, Washington 25, D. C. Price 25 cents.
CUSTIS-LEE MANSION
The Robert E. Lee Memorial
VIRGINIA
by Murray H. Nelligan
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORICAL HANDBOOK SERIES No. 6
WASHINGTON, D.C., 1950 (REVISED 1962)
The National Park System, of which Custis-LeeMansion is a unit, is dedicated to conserving the scenic,scientific, and historic heritage of the United States forthe benefit and enjoyment of its people.
Contents
- Page
- History of Arlington to 1861 1
- Arlington from 1861 to 1865 24
- Arlington from 1865 to the Present 26
- Guide to the House and Grounds 28
- Visitor Service and Facilities 46
- Administration 47
- Suggested Readings 48
General Robert E. Lee in 1865. From the original photograph by Mathew Brady in the National Archives.
Ever since it was built more than a century ago, the Custis-LeeMansion has dominated the scene across the river from theNational Capital. An outstanding example of a Greek Revivalbuilding of the early nineteenth century, its dignity and strength, simplicityand steady grace, now make it a most appropriate nationalmemorial to one of America’s greatest men, Robert E. Lee.
Built by his father-in-law, George Washington Parke Custis, theadopted son of General Washington, the mansion was for many yearsa principal repository of many objects associated with George Washington.As such, it greatly influenced Robert E. Lee when the buildingwas his home. Like him, it experienced the vi