Lee Chapel - Washington and Lee University
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Lee Chapel - Washington and Lee University
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Lee Chapel, a 500 seat auditorium is the gathering place for Washington and Lee University's most prestigious academic events.
Construction began on the Lee Chapel in 1867 at the request of Robert E. Lee, the University's president from 1865 to 1870. At the time, the University was named Washington College. Built of brick and native limestone, Lee's son, George Washington Custis Lee, is said to have proposed the simple Victorian design. It was finished in time for the 1868 graduation exercises.
Lee attended weekday worship services here, along with the students. His office, the treasurer's office, and the student center were located in the lower level of the Chapel.
When Lee died in 1870, he was buried beneath the Chapel. In 1883, the University added on to the Chapel creating space for the memorial sculpture of the recumbent Lee with the Lee family crypt directly below. Lee was move to the family vault at that time. His wife, mother, father, children, and other relatives are buried here as well. Traveller, his beloved horse, is buried beside the crypt, just outside the Chapel.
Lee Chapel was named a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Copyright 2020 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
March 9th, 2020
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