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Recent Bicycle Thefts
Bicycle thefts along the G. W. Memorial Parkway at Theodore Roosevelt Island, Rock Creek Park, and other places have been increasing. Thieves have been cutting locks and stealing bicycles. Please report suspicious activity to Park Police at 703 285 1000
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Rededication Postponed
The rededication of the mansion will be delayed until the end of the summer. There will still be a wedding program on June 30th that will include dancing demonstrations, music and talks. For more information please call 703-235-1530
The Gray Family
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Selina Norris Gray, the daughter of Leonard and Sally Norris, was a second-generation Arlington slave. Selina Norris and Thornton Gray were married by an Episcopal clergyman in the same room of the house where Mary Custis had married Robert E. Lee in 1831. While the church recognized the marriage, the union of slaves was not legally binding. Slaves, as property, could not enter into legally binding contracts. Selina and Thornton would have eight children and raised their family in a single room in the South Slave Quarters.
Selina was the personal maid of Mrs. Robert E. Lee and the two enjoyed a very close relationship. In 1861, under the threat of union occupation, the Lee family evacuated Arlington and Mrs. Lee left the household keys, symbolizing authority, responsibility and her trust to Selina Gray. Locked away inside Arlington House were many of the “Washington Treasures.” These pieces were cherished family heirlooms that had once belonged to Mrs. Lee's great-grandmother, Martha Custis Washington, and President George Washington. The United States Army assumed control of the Arlington Estate on May 24,1861. Later, U.S. Army officers occupied the house. When Mrs. Gray discovered some of the treasures had been stolen, she confronted the soldiers and ordered them "not to touch any of Mrs. Lee's things." Gray alerted General Irvin McDowell, commander of the United States troops, to the importance of the Washington heirlooms. The remaining pieces were sent to the Patent Office for safekeeping. Through Selina Gray's efforts, many of the Washington pieces were saved for posterity. |
Did You Know?
President John F. Kennedy is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His gravesite is down the hill below Arlington House.