<p>Built in the early 1800s in the Greek Revival style, the plantation home of General Lee was confiscated by Union troops when its owner chose to fight for the South. Soon after, Civil War dead were buried in the rose garden. Today almost a quarter of a million men and women are buried on the 600-acre campus, representing every conflict in which the United States has fought. Most visited sites include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the graves of President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, and the Challenger Space Shuttle Memorial.</p>
As the residence of Robert E. Lee and his family before the Civil War, Arlington House has a unique and interesting story, with connections to many important figures, issues and events in American History.
Built by George Washington Parke Custis and his slaves between 1802 and 1818, the house and grounds have served many purposes over the last two hundred years: a family home for the Lees and Custises, a plantation estate and home to 63 slaves, a monument honoring George Washington, a military headquarters, a community for emancipated slaves and a national cemetery.
The collection includes numerous 19th-century photographs and carte-de-visites, as well as boots, tables, chairs, and a terrestrial globe from the life of General Lee.
Location
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Arlington 22211
United States
Phone:
(703) 557-0613
38° 52' 43.4028" N, 77° 4' 6.4128" W
See map: Google Maps
Hours:
Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public at 8 a.m. 365 days a year. From April 1 to Sept. 30 the cemetery closes at 7 p.m.; the other six months it closes at 5 p.m.
Fees:
Ample paid parking is available to visitors, accessible from Memorial Drive. As of June 1, 2008, the cost is $1.75/hour for the first three hours, and $2.00/hour thereafter. Commercial rates are $7.00
Image:
Has Artifacts:
Yes
civilwar:
Yes
nationalpark:
Yes