Sunday, June 30, 2013

Stratford Hall

Stratford Hall
 
The Homestead to the Lee family of Virginia.  Richard Henry Lee and Frances Lightfoot Lee signed the Declaration of Independence.  Robert E Lee was born and lived here until he was 4 years old. 
 
Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures inside the home, so I am unable to provide you with a glimpse into their lives.  It was, nonetheless, a fascinating look into the top 1% wealth of Colonial Virginia. 
 


The house is quiet expansive and made of brick which was quite expensive in its day.  The land was purchased by Thomas Lee about 1730 and construction began.  He owned 16,000 acres and created a successful tobacco plantation.  Thomas grandson Lighthorse Harry Lee, Signer, married Ann Hill Carter of Shirley Plantation (another wealthy plantation) and had their son, Robert E. Lee.  However, he couldn't inherit the plantation because he wasn't the first born son.  At 4 years old the family moved out of Stratford and to Alexandria.  







 
The Potomac River in the background












No comments: