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Lexington, Virginia, Recumbent Statue of Robert E. Lee in Lee Chapel, Washington and Lee University, vintage postcards

Lexington, Virginia, Recumbent Statue of Robert E. Lee in Lee Chapel, Washington and Lee University, vintage postcards, historic photos

A vintage postcard of the Recumbent Statue of General Robert E. Lee, in the Lee Chapel on the campus of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia. This marble statue by sculptor Edward Valentine and completed in 1875, was designed to portray Lee sleeping in his full Civil War uniform while on the battlefield. Contrary to popular belief, Lee is not buried in the coffin shaped platform beneath the statue. Robert E. Lee, his wife, his children, and his Revolutionary War hero father, Henry Lee III (better known as the famed Light Horse Harry Lee) are all buried in a mausoleum in the basement of this chapel. Lee's famed horse, Traveller, is buried near the chapel. This postcard view is from about 1910. See more photos below.

Recumbent Statue of General Robert E. Lee, Washington and Lee Chapel, Lexington, Virginia

Another vintage postcard of the Recumbent Statue of General Robert E. Lee. More photos are below.

Lee Memorial Chapel on the Washington and Lee University campus

A view of the interior of the Lee Memorial Chapel on the Washington and Lee University campus. The Lee statue can be seen in the back of this view, behind the iron gates. On the back wall of the chapel are various paintings of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. See the additional photo below.

Lee Memorial Chapel on the Washington and Lee University campus

An exterior view of the Lee Memorial Chapel on the Washington and Lee University campus. The chapel was constructed in 1867-1868 during the time Robert E. Lee was President of Washington College. After Lee's death in 1870, the college was renamed Washington and Lee University.

Robert E. Lee, born January 19, 1807, Stratford Hall, Virginia; died October 12, 1870, Lexington, Virginia, age 63.

General, Confederate Army 1861-1865
President, Washington University 1865-1870

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