LEE HALL MANSION

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July 3rd, 2006

Lee Hall Mansion is the only large antebellum plantation house remaining on the lower Virginia Peninsula. Completed in 1859, Lee Hall Mansion was home to affluent planter Richard Decauter Lee, his wife Martha, and their children. Only three years after the house's completion, the Lees fled their home as the Peninsula became one of the first battlegrounds of the Civil War. Built on high ground, Lee Hall Mansion had a natural and commanding view of the countryside. Consequently, between April and May of 1862, the house was used as a Confederate headquarters by Major General John B. Magruder and General Joseph E. Johnston. From this location, Magruder and Johnston directed the defense of the Peninsula against Major General George B. McClellan's advancing Union Army, and for three weeks delayed the Union advance. However, on May 3, 1862, the Confederate Army was ordered to retreat. A small skirmish was fought on the property by the retreating Confederates and Union cavalry on May 4, 1862. The Peninsula remained under Union control until the end of the war. The Lees eventually returned to the house and resided there until 1871. (this is from the official site). Photos were not allowed inside the home. Tour of the 6600 square foot house was detailed and most days, the guides dress in period costume. There's no food or drinks available on the premises and you are not allowed to bring any in. There is the tiniest gift show I've ever seen in there. No touching things in the home. Most thing are NOT original to the house with the exception of millwork, wood flooring etc. Cost for adults is 6.00, 5.00 for seniors, 4.00 for kids, and kids 7 and under are free.; Hours: Open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.; Sunday 1:00 - 5:00 P.M. Guided tours are offered every half hour. Last tour of the day at 3:30 P.M. Mon.-Sat.; 4:30 P.M. on Sunday. Closed Tuesdays year-round and
Wednesdays January-March. Also closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Left to right: 1) Lee Hall Mansion Front 2) Lee Hall Mansion Kitchen/Slave Area 3) Lee Hall Mansion Back 4) Lee Hall Mansion Side 5) Lee Hall Mansion Other side of Mansion.

Left to right: Gun made by Royal Gun makers;1862; 44 caliber with Solid Gold and Jewel encrusted ornamentation; set contained bullet mold, powder flask, nipple remover, cap remover tool, cap tin, and ivory screwdriver container. Presented to General Magruder by his friend Nelson Clements

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Special Anniversary doings: Jamestown 2007

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