Lexington - Washington and Lee University

Construction began on the chapel in 1867 at the request of Gen. Robert E. Lee, who served as president from 1865 to 1870. Built of brick and native limestone, the chapel was completed in time for graduation exercises in 1868. Lee was buried beneath the chapel upon his death in 1870. In 1883 an addition was made to the building which houses the memorial sculpture of Lee by Edward Valentine and includes a family crypt. His wife, mother, father ("Light-Horse Harry" Lee), all of his children and other relatives are now buried in the crypt as well. The remains of his beloved horse, Traveller, are in a plot outside the museum entrance.