Arlington House and Robert E. Lee Memorial

Arlington House in the Arlington National Cemetery, Wikimedia

Arlington House has served many purposes over the years, most notably as the historic residence of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his family. The family resided in the Arlington House before the Civil War.

The Arlington House has been used as a military headquarters, a personal family home, and a national cemetery since it was built in 1802.

The house was built by George Washington Park Custis, grandson of Martha Washington through her first marriage. He was raised at Mount Vernon, by George and Martha Washington.

George Washington Park Custis was the father of Mary Anna Randolph Custis, who became the wife of Robert E. Lee. George Washington Park Custis remained at Arlington until his death in 1857, and played a prominent role in the lives of the Lees and their seven children.

Today, the house is an Historic National Park, and visitors to Arlington and the Robert E. Lee Memorial can learn even more about the house’s long history, and the prominent figures who walked its halls.

Location

Arlington House is located next to the Arlington Cemetery, via the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

From Wahington, D.C., the house and cemetery are reached by crossing Memorial Bridge.

Parking is available at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center, and handicapped parking is available at the Old Administration Building, located behind Arlington House.

Hours and Admission

Arlington House is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Reservations are not required to enter the house, but there may be a delay on busy days. Tour groups can only take 25 people through the house at a time, due to weight restrictions on the second floor of the house.

Admission to the house is free.

What to Do

Visitors to the Arlington House will enjoy the Robert E. Lee Museum. The museum provides a detailed overview of the famous general’s life and influence.

The museum contains original artifacts from the Lee family.

Visitors may also explore the Arlington House. Visitors can take a tour, or walk through it at their leisure.

Audio tours can be taken via personal cell phones.

The grounds of Arlington House can also be explored. The slave quarters provide detailed information on the slaves who lived on the premises, and the kind of life they lived.

For children, the park has developed the Arlington House Junior Ranger Program, designed for children ages 5-12. Participants of the program receive a Junior Ranger Badge upon visiting the house and completing the Junior Ranger workbook.