History & Culture
Welcome to Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial! The residence of Robert E. Lee and his family before the Civil War, Arlington House has a unique and interesting story, with connections to many important figures, issues and events in American History. Built by George Washington Parke Custis and his slaves between 1802 and 1818, the house and grounds have served many purposes over the last two hundred years: a family home for the Lees and Custises, a plantation estate and home to 63 slaves, a monument honoring George Washington, a military headquarters, a community for emancipated slaves and a national cemetery.
Explore these pages and find out what life was like in the 19th century!
Did You Know?
Memorial Bridge was built in 1933 as a symbol of reunification after the Civil War. The bridge crosses the Potomac River, the boundary between North and South during the war. It connects Arlington House (the South) and the Lincoln Memorial (the north).