Standing high above Arlington National Cemetery, the Arlington House, also known as the Robert E. Lee Memorial, looks down on the Potomac River and Washington DC. Built in 1802 by the adopted grandson of the nation’s first president, the Greek revival style mansion was meant to be a living memorial to George Washington. Passed down through the family, the Arlington House eventually fell into the hands of Mary Anna Custis Lee, the wife of General Robert E. Lee.
History of the Arlington House
The Arlington House has an interesting and rather convoluted history that includes being occupied by Union soldiers and being confiscated and sold by the federal government for taxes owed by Mrs. Lee.
In 1955, Congress designated the Arlington House as a permanent memorial to General Lee, who is largely considered to be South’s greatest general during the Civil War. Also on the property is a museum dedicated to General Lee and the well-preserved quarters of former slaves. Today, the Arlington House retains much of its original charm, architecture, and even décor, despite receiving significant damage in a 2011 earthquake. Guided tours are given by docents and park rangers who will happily fill you in on the history of the home and the Lee family.
Keep searching our website for more information on the Northern Virginia real estate market and blog posts on hotspots in the area. Contact us for a free property valuation and we can help you begin the process of finding your next home. Call Darren at 703-462-0700 or email us at DarrenRobertsonHomes@gmail.com.