Robert E. Lee Boyhood Home Is Sold In Old Town Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The historic Robert E. Lee boyhood home in Old Town Alexandria is no longer on the market.

The sale was first reported by Washington Business Journal. Realtor.com records confirmed the $4.7 million sale happened on July 17.

The property had been listed in 2018 for $8.5 million. That was the first time the 1795 house had been on the market for 50 years. In 2019, it was listed for the lower price of $6.25 million.

The home's storied history makes it one of Alexandria's sites on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register. Aside from being associated with the Confederate Lee, the property is also referred to as the Potts-Fitzhugh House. Built by John Potts, secretary of the Potomac Canal Company, it was sold to plantation owner William Fitzhugh, the Washington Post previously reported. Under their ownership, George Washington was known to have dined and stayed as a guest.

General Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, a military figure in the Revolutionary War, settled his family in the home for nine years in the early 19th century. According to the city, his son Robert E. Lee lived there before going to the United States Military Academy.

Other owners have incldued Pulitzer-winning poet Archibald MacLeish and Franklin Roosevelt administration official Royd Sayers, the latter of which hosted guests from the president's administration. According to the Post, the Stonewall Jackson Foundation operated the home as a public museum before being sold to private owners in 2000.

Along with bearing a rich history, the home exemplifies Federal period architecture. The six-bedroom home has been restored with period character and updates to fit modern living. Take a look at photos of the home from realtor.com.