Was Washington and Lee University named after Robert E. Lee?
(Rebecca from Norfolk, Virginia) A: Yes, Washington and Lee University (located in Lexington, Virginia) is named in part in honor of Robert E. Lee. When the school was founded in 1749, it was called Washington College, in honor of George Washington. After the Civil War, Robert became the President of Washington College in 1865. He established the School of Law and the first journalism program. He also added courses to help the southern people prosper in the post-war era, including classes on business, banking, and agriculture. During Robert’s Presidency, the student body grew ten times in size. After Robert’s death in 1870, Washington College was renamed Washington and Lee University. Robert is buried in the school chapel, called Lee Chapel. Robert’s horse, Traveller, is buried outside Lee Chapel. Read a book about Robert E. Lee, visit Washington and Lee University or Lee Chapel and Museum.
