First stop, after the Visitor Center for a map and directions, was the R. E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church where General Lee served as Senior Warden. Just a few days before his death, Lee approved plans for a new building for the church.
Beautiful stone church.
Robert E. Lee and his wife's name is in the bottom panels of this stained glass window.
A few block further we were on the campus of Washington and Lee University. I have some pictures of the beautiful buildings on campus but they will have to wait until we reach a more internet friendly campground.
On the west side approach to the University.
The place to visit on campus is the Lee Chapel and Museum (1867) and it was open on Sunday. Lee served as the 11th President of the University and the Chapel was built at his request and under his supervision. Lee's office is preserved much as he left it at his death in 1870, and Lee and his family are entombed here. Just outside the crypt is the grave of Gen. Lee's famous and beloved horse, Traveller.
The lower floor is a museum collection and exhibits detailing both Washington and Lee's commitment to higher education. Washington donated a gift of stock to the University which served as its endowment until after the Civil War. In recognition of that gift, his name was given to the School. Then, after the Civil War, the Trustees prevailed upon Lee to serve as President. He was not a mere figurehead but was actively involved in the growth and development of the University, as well as, a major fund raiser. At his death, this revered man's name was added to Washington's.
Statue of Lee on the campus. You can get a peek at the buildings behind the statue.
The grave site of Traveller, just outside the side door to the family crypt.
Recumbent memorial statue of Lee in the upstairs chapel. The chapel continues to be used for University guest speakers, freshmen orientation, debates, etc. There was a wedding there today at 5 p.m.
Famous Theodore Pine portrait of R. E. Lee. As you walk past the portrait, Lee's eyes follow you. Notice the recumbent Lee is the background on the left.
The iconic first portrait of George Washington by Charles Willson Peale.
Recumbent memorial statue of Lee. It is not meant to show him in death, but simply resting. His ankles are crossed and his head is turned slightly.
Next stop, the two Universities sit side-by-side, was the Virginia Military Institute. The buildings are impressive and the central part of the Institute is dominated by a military parade ground. Here we visited the VMI museum which is located on the two lower levels of Jackson Memorial Hall. Stonewall Jackson is the big hero of VMI. He graduated from West Point but taught artillery at VMI before the Civil War.
The student battery and statue of Stonewall Jackson in front of the main barracks building at one end of the parade ground.
Jackson Memorial Hall, the cadets' assembly hall, is named for T. J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Dominating the hall is an oil painting depicting the cadet charge at theBattle of New Market in 1864, painted by Benjamin West Clinedinst (VMI Class of 1880). The flag around the hall represent the 26 states in the Union at the time of VMI's founding in 1839.
Not to be outdone in equine recognition, the VMI Museum is home to one of the most famous horses in the world, "Little Sorrel," Jackson's warhorse. When Little Sorrel died in 1886, his hide was mounted on a life-like frame. Jackson's saddle and bridle are there in the case with him.
Lexington sounds like they have really tried to preserve the old character of the city, I wish we had underground wiring.
ReplyDeleteBut the horse hide is a little creepy, like the "Bird Room" at MB.
I forgot about the Bird Room! I agree with you, Suzanne!
ReplyDelete