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Introduction
When
compared to the grandeur of Robert E. Lee's birthplace, Stratford Hall; his
family home, Arlington; and his resting place at
Washington and Lee University, this Alexandria townhouse cuts no impressive
figure. Granted, it is a fine house, but a near-twin abuts it next door.
Something other than architecture sets this Lee home apart. If, as they say,
the child is father to the man, it is in this house, where Robert E. Lee
grew up, that we should look for a clue to determine what made him great.
In assaying the historical value of this house we must consider the impact
of domestic events which took place here. Who can doubt the effect upon a
six year old boy of the departure of his father, the maimed victim of mob
violence, never to return. And what were the thoughts of his mother, Ann,
when she sat here and considered the reversal of fortune which had brought a
daughter of the wealthiest man in Virginia, from Shirley plantation and her
wedding twenty years earlier to Virginia's war-hero, governor, Henry
"Light-Horse Harry" Lee, to life as a "widow" with five children in this
rented Alexandria townhouse. Her attitude as communicated to her youngest
son, forced at a tender age to assume the role here of her principal aide,
would shape his character and through him American history. This house is an
important American historic landmark. It is without peer as a Lee site from
which to appreciate the source of Lee's enduring greatness -- the life of a
good man in an imperfect world.
Since we are currently denied the opportunity to experience the actual home, I invite you to
share with me this virtual tour. Here is but the briefest of
descriptions of most of the rooms and of the Lee family residents. In the
future, we will continue to provide more of the museum tour experience. In
the meantime, you are invited to discuss the Museum and its fate with your
friends. Your interest is most welcome.