Arlington House: The Mansion Atop Arlington National Cemetery

The historic mansion overlooking Arlington National Cemetery is **Arlington House**, also known as the **Custis-Lee Mansion** or **Robert E. Lee Memorial**. Key facts:

• Built: 1802–1818 by George Washington Parke Custis (step-grandson of George Washington).
• Architecture: Greek Revival; prominent hilltop portico with 8 massive columns.
• Residents: Custis family → Mary Anna Custis (daughter) married **Robert E. Lee** (1831); their family home until 1861.
• Civil War: Lee resigned U.S. Army here; Union occupied property; 1864: Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs established cemetery on grounds to prevent Lee's return.
• Today: National Park Service site; restored to 1860s appearance; exhibits on Lee, Custis, enslaved community, cemetery origins.

Located within **Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia**; accessible via Metro (Blue Line, Arlington Cemetery station) or car. The house offers panoramic views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol across the Potomac.