Lexington, VA Tourist Attractions
|
|
Lexington, in the Shenandoah valley, has a long and distinguished military tradition, its Virginia Military Institute having been founded in 1839 (women were first admitted in 1996). Robert E. Lee is buried on the campus of the Washington and Lee University.South of Lexington the U.S. 11 goes over the Natural Bridge, an almost 230 ft high natural rock arch formed by erosion.
Washington and Lee University
The Washington & Lee University is located in Lexington. This prestigious establishment has been instructing students since 1749. The campus grounds contain many wonderfully renovated and restored 18th Century buildings. The university has expansive grounds and they make a great place to stroll around and soak up the history and atmosphere.
Lee Chapel
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.
Stonewall Jackson House
Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington is where Jackson lived prior to the Civil War. It is also significant as the only home Jackson ever owned. Visitors can see the house on a guided tour.
Virginia Military Institute
The Virginia Military Institute is home to the VMI Museum. The museum features collections and information on the history of the VMI, along with collections of firearms, uniforms, and an exhibit on "Stonewall" Jackson.
Jackson Memorial Hall
Jackson Memorial Hall, built in 1915, is dedicated to the memory of Stonewall Jackson. It features an immense oil painting, the work of Benjamin West Clinedinst - a graduate of the Class of 1880, and depicts the charge of the Corps of Cadets at the Battle of New Market in 1864. Portraits of distinguished men who have been associated with the Institute and the flags of the 26 states of the union at the time of VMI's founding in 1839 are hung on the walls.
George C Marshall Museum and Library
The George C Marshall Museum and Library in Lexington is a tribute to this man, the U.S.'s first 5 star general, who was the "organizer of victory" in World War II, envoy to China, responsible for the Marshall Plan to help rebuild Europe, devisor of the U.S.'s Korean War strategy and Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1953. Many artifacts and papers are on display.
VMI Museum
The VMI Museum (the VMI stands for Virginia Military Institute), is located in Lexington. The museum features over 15,000 military artifacts. Also on display is the chronology of how the VMI was created over the years. The VMI offers several interesting collections; of special note are the cadet uniforms and equipage, along with the Henry Stewart 19th Century Antique Firearms Collection.
