lee chapel and museum

The building is lovely and the setting on the campus is wonderful. The museum is a great tribute to a real leader and man of integrity. His leadership at Washington University speaks to him as a man. While not a victor, he was an equal to Washington as a leader and the school is a tribute to two great Virginians. One of the best parts is the grave outside to Traveler.

It is in the same building as the museum. That is a small museum which asks for donations and works for those who like history.

To see where Gen. Lee taught, lived, and is buried ... is just incredible. To further learn of his relationship, through marriage to George Washington ... regardless of what side you think should have won ... this is a historical site not to be missed. Church is very quaint, and very southern in architectural style. VMI is a beautiful campus very close to W&L. Lots of small stores line the streets once you are done visiting, and don't miss the Stonewall Jackson house!

The chapel is beautiful and seeing the burrial place of Gen. Lee and family is moving. The museum gives an excellent overview of the history of the university and General R. E. Lee. I was the last visitor to the museum in early December as it is closed now for renovations till spring. The staff is very helpful and knowledgable.

If you have come to Lexington you must visit Lee Chapel on the Washington and Lee campus. Full of history about Lexington and Robert E. Lee--even the building itself is a work of art!

My Grandmother worked here for many years and I practically grew up here and can tell you it is a true piece of American history. The chapel is amazing and the statue is something to see, downstairs is a small museum, General Lee's office as he left it and the Lee family crypt. The gift shop has a lot of unique gifts. Don't run out the back door too fast, Traveler the horse is buried to the left. There is no admission charge but a donation is recommended.

What a great place to learn about the early part of our nation. Campus is beautiful. Museum changes periodically.

Lee Chapel and Museum are not to be missed when in Lexington. First, there is the beautiful building which was built to honor Robert E. Lee who came to Washington College to be its President after the Civil War years. Inside, the chapel is a classic, late 19th century design which is used for Washington and Lee University gatherings, convocations, and weddings.The carved marble statue of Lee Recumbent on the Battlefield is the centerpiece of the chapel interior. The crypt in the lower level is where Robert E. Lee and the Lee family is interred and outside is Lee's beloved horse,Traveller's grave and memorial. The Museum contains many displays from the Lee family as well as from Mary Custis Lee's family.For those traveling from January-March 2015 the chapel will be closed for renovations.

The Lee Chapel is gorgeous, peaceful and filled with the history of the time Robert E Lee spent at the university. Interesting museum under the chapel next to Lee's office that provides context for all that Lee did in his five years as President to revive the university after the Civil War. The statue of Lee in the chapel is most impressive.

Situated across grassy, tree-lined open space on the Washington & Lee University campus the chapel has understated elegance and reverence. The colonial white columns and brick buildings of the university provided the backdrop along with the breathtaking colors of the fall day. Even before entering the chapel, the peaceful atmosphere demonstrated the desire of Robert E. Lee to move here following the end of the Civil War. The chapel continues to be used for lectures, events, and other services as a part of the Washington & Lee campus although it also serves as a museum and final resting place for both the university and Lee. The main floor in the chapel is simple and refined, with famous artwork of the university's namesakes on display - George Washington & Robert E. Lee. These 2 pieces of art alone are worth the stop. There is a marble memorial to Lee at the front of the chapel - the inscriptions and detail (check out the blanket's fabric) were superb. Head downstairs to the Lee family crypt and museum. The crypt contains the final resting place for most of Lee's family. The museum also is very interesting, tracing the history of the university from its foundation, development, and ultimate solidification into a modern university under Lee's presidency. The highlight, however, is the final element in the basement. It is Lee's office, and it has been left almost exactly as it was when he last used it. The items have been kept preserved, but the layout and configuration of the office has remained the same all these year. It was stepping back in time to a man who was known for his planning, daring, and vision. This is where he worked for 5 years in developing the university that now bears his name.Also fitting, just outside the chapel - mere feet from where Robert E. Lee is laid to rest is the burial plot of his horse, Traveller. Heading through Lexington, this is a must experience.

If you are a student of the history of our glorious country---then a visit to Lee Chapel and Museum is a must. Beautiful and awe-inspiring. A place to reflect on the incredible sacrifice of human beings. Be sure and visit the gift shop. Many wonderful items to take with you as a remembrance and keepsake of this important time period in American History. The staff are friendly and informative. Don't miss this!

Love the displays in the museum! What a history lesson and a lesson in the art of a gentleman. The chapel is kept in true southern style with white pews and red velvet cushions. The memorials to the Lee family are endearing for history buffs and southern heirs and descendants, and for me a person from the far north and west, I even appreciate the grandeur of the south and the marvelous exhibits. Quite a heartfelt touch to have the resting place of Lee's horse just outside. This really should be the first stop in town for any tourist, and every local should bring their family visitors to it at least once. Don't forget to pose for a picture out front for a great memento photo.

The museum at the Lee Chapel and Museum provides a great chronological overview of the Washington and Lee University from inception through today including Robert E. Lee's role at the university. You will need an hour to study all aspects of the exhibit. Plus take a moment to look in the gift shop. It is not your ordinary gift shop. Yes, there are some tricky, tacky items for sale but 95% of the shop is dedicated to literature. There are some wonderful books about George Washington and Robert E. Lee; some current literate and some out of print literature. I enjoy history and books, so this museum was worth the visit.

Important and impressive monument to General Robert E. Lee in the chapel he had built on the Campus of Washington and Lee University. This chapel was the site of General Lee's funeral service. As well as the final resting place for Gen. Lee and his descendants. One of the interesting finds is his office as it remains the way he left it on the lower level, next to a museum. The walk across campus is beautiful this time of year. We were surprised the tour and museum are free, asking for donations only-which we didn't mind doing. Just outside the door, don't miss Travelers grave and memorial.

When it comes to places that that many, many Southerners consider one of the most sacred spots that still remains from the old Confederacy, it’s Robert E. Lee’s final resting place in Lee Chapel, at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA. First of all, the Lexington is a classy and historical town. Then, the approach to the chapel, on the campus of Washington & Lee is an absolutely picturesque scene. Then there’s the chapel itself, so quietly elegant. Finally stepping inside the front door, we were greeted by a very pleasant and knowledgeable guide who first gave us the history of Robert E’ Lee’s presidency of the school along with other interesting background information. We even got to sit on the pew (front row, left side) in the chapel where Lee always sat.Then, we were escorted up to the chamber behind the pulpit holding the magnificent statue of Lee in repose, carved by Richmond, VA sculptor Edward Valentine, completed in 1875. It sent chills of reverence within me as I thought about the likeness of such a gentleman; the only West Point cadet to graduate without a single demerit. The monument was awe-inspiring.We went downstairs where we found the Lee family crypt, where the General, his wife, seven children, parents and other descendants are buried. Other interesting areas are Lee’s former office, museum galleries, and a gift shop. As if the splendor of the site could get no better, take a few steps outside the first level door and there is a monumentFor General Lee’s famed horse Traveller, who is buried underneath? What more can a true Southerner ask for? It’s history with respect, and I didn’t see a hint of political correctness, excepting Washington & Lee’s President Ruscio’s recent decision to remove the Confederate flags flanking Lee’s statue in the chamber, where they have been on display since 1930. What’s the big issue with preserving history? It happened.