Sweet Bead Studio – Page 174 – Handcrafted Jewelry by Cindy Wimmer

150 years ago {April 19th, 1861}

By Cindy | April 19, 2011 |

I am always fascinated to learn more about the rich history all around our home here in Virginia. We frequently make trips to Maryland and Pennsylvania, often seeing places of Civil War significance. I’m especially excited when we can visit a place that we have never visited before. We had that opportunity when when the Boy Scouts group visited the Arlington House at Arlington National Cemetery. Our visit was planned precisely at the 150th anniversary of Robert E. Lee’s “Great Decision” . In April 1861, Lee made what is known as “the most pivotal decision in the Civil War”. When his home state of Virginia seceded, Lee resigned from the U.S. Army (he had been offered command of Union forces) and supported the Confederacy.

The Arlington House, with 8 columns on the portico

The history of the Arlington House is incredibly interesting. If you have the time, please visit the link above to learn all about this famous home. The house was constructed and owned by George Washington’s adopted grandson, George Washington Parke Custis. Apparently Custis inherited the 1,100 acres of land when he was just 3. The Greek Revival-style home took 16 years to complete and is noted for its grand portico columns. Robert E. Lee married the Custis’ only surviving child, Mary Anna Randolph Custis, who was given the right to inhabit and control the house for the remainder of her life. The Arlington House was the Lee’s home for 30 years, and 6 of his 7 children were born there in the dressing room off of the master bedroom. While walking through the house, I read a interesting tidbit – that Lee regularly picked a rose from the garden to place at his wife and daughter’s setting at breakfast. To learn in detail how Arlington National Cemetery developed at the Arlington House grounds, read here. It really is a fascinating history. I hope to return again soon, as we took the 7:00 pm tour and it became too dark to see many details (such as Union soldier’s signatures and “graffiti” written on the attic rafters). Most of the furniture was removed as well for an ongoing renovation. I’d love to see the period furniture in this setting!