Washington and Lee University Historic District
N 37° 47.161 W 079° 26.597
17S E 637076 N 4183214
Historic Washington and Lee University was founded in 1749 and is the ninth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
Waymark Code: WM11CV
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 12/13/2006
Views: 17
Washington and Lee University was founded in 1749 as Augusta Academy and was later renamed Liberty Hall Academy. Liberty Hall moved to Lexington in 1780 and the first building was built about 1782. The ruins of Liberty Hall still stand on the University Campus as a reminder of the University’s humble beginnings. George Washington endowed the university with a $50,000 gift and Liberty Hall became Washington College. Following the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee retired to Lexington and served as President of Washington College from 1865 until his death in 1870. Following General Lee’s death the trustees once again changed its name to Washington and Lee University.
General Lee died on October 12, 1870 and today rests in the Lee Family crypt in Lee Chapel on the Campus of Washington and Lee University.
General Lee’s famed horse Traveller is also buried on the campus, in a maked grave just outside the General’s Lee Chapel Office.
Street address:
Washington Street
Lexington , Va. United States
24450
County / Borough / Parish: City of Lexington (Rockbridge County
Year listed: 1971
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture, Education
Periods of significance: 1800 - 1899
Historic function: Education, College
Current function: Education, College
Privately owned?: no
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.