Lee Lying in repose

[mofederal]

Here is the modern stone over the spot where Traveler rests.

 

[bayouace]

Here is the modern stone over the spot where Traveler rests.

View attachment 395589

I prefer this to the bare skeleton, to be honest.

 

[Norman Dasinger Jr]

VMI - just down the road from W&L - is going thru similar changes. i.e Picking and choosing what history it wants others to know about. Reminders of what is considered to be of no use anymore are being -both quietly and not so quietly - removed.
Same at University of Alabama, the city of Portland, Oregon and others . Once it is gone . . . it will , over a short time, be lost to most of the world --- as if it never existed.

 

[Scott1967]

I always said Grant wanted to be remembered and Lee wanted to be forgotten.

A powerful statement but one which i fully believe in personally.

 

[Lampasas Bill]

I visited in the 1980s, when the original battle flags were still hanging over the recumbent Lee. There was a charming lady of advanced years, most likely a UDC member, there to great visitors. In the most delightful Virginia accent, she told us about the sculpting of the statue and how "Mista Valentine" had stayed in her family's ancestral home while visiting Lexington. She spoke about it as if it happened only yesterday. Talking with her was a truly memorable experience. It was clear that "old times there are not forgotten..."

 

[Viper21]

I visited in the 1980s, when the original battle flags were still hanging over the recumbent Lee. There was a charming lady of advanced years, most likely a UDC member, there to great visitors. In the most delightful Virginia accent, she told us about the sculpting of the statue and how "Mista Valentine" had stayed in her family's ancestral home while visiting Lexington. She spoke about it as if it happened only yesterday. Talking with her was a truly memorable experience. It was clear that "old times there are not forgotten..."

They aren't all crazy over there. My last visit, I was there to look at a watch in the museum. The fella running the museum that day was a student. He was incredibly knowledgeable, & very enthusiastic. As well as another student that was hanging out around Lee's office, offering information as well. Both students told me what an honor it was to work at the chapel, & museum. They also mentioned their disgust in how the school was ashamed of Lee, & they felt sorrow that it's future was in doubt.

 

[KianGaf]

Here are the actual Lee family burial niches.

View attachment 395587

I see his name on the marble slab, are his remains here or in the main mausoleum. Id love to visit his resting place some day. As for Traveller, I'm glad they gave him a grave , having his bones on display was slightly macabre. Afaik the college has removed all confederate iconography from his grave.

 

[27thVA]

https://leefamilyarchive.org/reference/books/ceremonies/index.html

I was fortunate enough to visit the Lee Chapel a couple of years ago. The statue was created by renowned sculptor Edward Valentine and was unveiled in 1883. I have attached an interesting article that talks about how the committee was formed to commission the building of the statue, the fund raising, and the various ceremonies that took place at the unveiling. Needless to say, a great deal of effort, that took place over several years, went into the entire project.

It is a beautiful memorial. It absolutely breaks my heart to witness the disrespect that has been shown toward Lee and his family by many of the current faculty and administration. Quite simply, without Lee and the Lee family there would be no Washington and Lee University.

Thank you for sharing this remarkable article!

 

[Phillip Holt]

There is an organization named "the General's Redoubt" that is trying to fight to retain the name of the university and it's traditions. I'm sure they would appreciate any support you could give.

 

[Scott1967]

There is an organization named "the General's Redoubt" that is trying to fight to retain the name of the university and it's traditions. I'm sure they would appreciate any support you could give.

I hope they succeed but I doubt it the name will change because people care more about what's on their phones than in a book.

Trying to erase history will have the opposite effect.

 

[VaMtLady]

may not be there much longer - or at least public visitation may not be allowed in the future

I hope that never happens.

 

[VaMtLady]

VMI - just down the road from W&L - is going thru similar changes. i.e Picking and choosing what history it wants others to know about. Reminders of what is considered to be of no use anymore are being -both quietly and not so quietly - removed.
Same at University of Alabama, the city of Portland, Oregon and others . Once it is gone . . . it will , over a short time, be lost to most of the world --- as if it never existed.

It has really gotten worse with the governor that we currently have.

 

[Carol]

Beautiful pictures. Thanks for posting.