Arlington Hall

Arlington Hall
Public domain · source
Name	Arlington Hall
Location	Arlington, Virginia
Architect	Benjamin Henry Latrobe
Client	George Washington Parke Custis

Arlington Hall. Located in Arlington, Virginia, the estate was once the home of George Washington Parke Custis, the step-grandson of George Washington and the father of Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee, who married Robert E. Lee. The property has a rich history, with connections to notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Dolley Madison. The estate's history is also tied to significant events, including the War of 1812 and the American Civil War, with Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant playing important roles.

● History

The history of the estate dates back to the early 19th century, when George Washington Parke Custis inherited a large sum of money from his father, John Parke Custis, and used it to purchase the property. Custis was a close friend of Thomas Law, who introduced him to the works of Andrea Palladio, influencing the design of the estate. The property was also visited by Marquis de Lafayette, who was a close friend of George Washington and played a key role in the American Revolutionary War. During the War of 1812, the estate was used as a temporary headquarters by Brigadier General Robert Ross, who led the British Army during the Burning of Washington. The estate's history is also connected to the Mexican-American War, with Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor playing important roles.

● Architecture

The architecture of the estate is a mix of Georgian architecture and Greek Revival architecture, with influences from Andrea Palladio and Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The main house was designed by George Washington Parke Custis himself, with the help of Thomas Ustick Walter, who later designed the United States Capitol building. The estate's design was also influenced by the works of Asher Benjamin and Minard Lafever, who were prominent architects of the time. The property features a large portico with Doric columns, similar to those found at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The estate's architecture is also comparable to that of Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, with its use of brick and stone.

● Uses

The estate has been used for a variety of purposes over the years, including as a plantation, a museum, and a memorial to Robert E. Lee and Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee. The property was also used as a hospital during the American Civil War, with Clara Barton and Dorothea Dix providing care to wounded soldiers. The estate has been owned by several organizations, including the Custis-Lee Mansion Association and the National Park Service, which has managed the property since 1933. The property is also adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, which was established during the American Civil War and is the final resting place of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy.

● Notable_events

The estate has been the site of several notable events, including the wedding of Robert E. Lee and Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee in 1831. The property was also visited by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 tour of the United States, with Dwight D. Eisenhower serving as her host. The estate has also been the site of several re-enactments of historical events, including the Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Gettysburg. The property has been featured in several films and television shows, including Gone with the Wind and North and South, with Vivien Leigh and Patrick Swayze playing leading roles.

● Restoration_and_preservation

The estate has undergone several restoration and preservation efforts over the years, with the goal of maintaining its historical integrity. The property was restored in the 1920s by the Custis-Lee Mansion Association, with the help of Herbert Hoover and Calvin Coolidge. The estate has also been preserved through the efforts of the National Park Service, which has worked to maintain the property's historic buildings and landscaping. The property has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with Lady Bird Johnson and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis playing key roles in its preservation. The estate is also part of the Arlington County historic district, which includes other notable properties such as Theodore Roosevelt Island and the United States Air Force Memorial. Category:Historic houses in Virginia