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Visitors were greeted in the Central Hall by the enslaved butler/coachman Daniel Dobson. Guests were political or artistic friends of Mr. Custis, military friends of the Lees, social acquaintances, visiting relatives, or total strangers on pilgrimage to see the "Washington Treasures" kept at the house. Robert E. Lee was away on army assignments most of the 30 years he lived here; his wife and family sometimes accompanied him. This hall witnessed sad farewells and happy homecomings: The seven Lee children came and went to be with their parents, attend boarding school, or stayed behind in the care of their Custis grandparents. During the hot summer, the hall became a "Summer Parlor." The spacious hall, with its tall doors and ceilings, provided a breezy respite from the heat. Sofas and chairs provided comfort and a forum for lively conversation or reading aloud from a novel or the Bible. 
NPS Image Choose a room to explore: 
Center Hall | Conservatory | Custis Bedchamber | Custis Guest Room | Dining Room | Family Parlor | Hunting Hall | Morning Room | Office | School Room | White Parlor | South Slave Quarters Museum Exhibit | Smokehouse | Selina Gray's Quarters | North Slave Quarters Museum Exhibit | Miss Judy's Quarters | George Clark's Room and Summer Kitchen | Museum
Ready for the real thing? Plan Your Visit.
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Last updated: July 14, 2024