No NPS? No Problem!—Lee’s family homes

Day Eight in a series coinciding with the federal government shutdown

Arlington House, the home most associated with Robert E. Lee, may be closed to visitation, but don’t fret—there are two other historic homes that have direct links to the Confederate military chieftain.

His birthplace, Stratford Hall, located in Westmoreland County on the historic Northern Neck of Virginia, is ran by the private foundation, applicably named, the Stratford Hall Foundation. The original house, home to four generations of Lees, still stands. Open seven days a week, the site includes house tours, manicured grounds, and an interactive visitor center (where Robert E. Lee actually speaks as you walk in).

Stratford Hall, home of the Lee family from the 17th through early 19th centuries (courtesy of TripAdvisor)
Stratford Hall, home of the Lee family from the 17th through early 19th centuries
(courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Situated in Charles City County on the historic Tidewater Peninsula of Virginia sits Shirley Plantation. First settled in 1613, Shirley Plantation was, by marriage, the home to a line of the Carter family. One member of that family, Ann Hill Carter, married “Light Horse Harry” Lee on June 18, 1793 and bore him a son, Robert E. Lee, on January 19, 1807. 

Still run by the Carter-Hill family, with the eleventh generation currently operating the house and grounds, the site is open for tours of the house and strolling of the grounds seven days a week.

Shirley Plantation, still run by the family (Author's collection)
Shirley Plantation, still run by the family
(Author’s collection)

So, two homes with two direct links to Robert E. Lee, both open for business during the government shutdown.



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