White House on the Pamunkey is an almost forgotten place of supreme historical importance. Used by Native Americans for centuries it now sits across the shore from today's Pamunkey Indian reservation. It was settled and farmed by colonist John Custis. Custis left a wealthy widow, Martha, who here met, married and honeymooned with an up-and-coming Virginia Militia officer named George Washington. White House Farm passed through the Custis family to Robert E. Lee's son Rooney, and father and son both toiled here to restore the plantation to profitablility. Mrs. R.E. Lee spent much of the early days of the war here until it was occupied by the Union Army of the Potomac, and it was a key component of George McClellan's 1862 Peninsula Campaign to take Richmond. The home White House was burned by Federal troops during the "Change of Base", and the home that Rooney Lee rebuilt on the foundation also burned in the late 19th century. Today only the foundation and a springhouse remain. ...Oh, and J.E.B. Stuart with the "Gallant Pelham" took on the U.S. Navy here, but we'll save that story for later.
We will hear from several speakers:
Jim Harris on the Colonial history of White House
Robert K. Krick on W.H.F. "Rooney" Lee
Robert E. Lee Krick on White House during the Civil War
and more!
Don't miss a rare opportunity to soak up centuries of American history at this privately-held site. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic lunch, and chew your lunch while you chew the fat with our speakers, RBA members and fellow Civil War enthusiasts.
Please RSVP at this link so we can plan appropriately. Directions available here:
This event is open to the general public as well as RBA members.
