(17 Jul 2014) A historic plantation originally built as a monument to George Washington overlooking the nation's capital, a site that later was home to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and 63 slaves, will be restored to its historical appearance after a $12.3 million gift announced Thursday.
David Rubenstein, a billionaire history buff and co-founder of The Carlyle Group, said he is giving the National Park Foundation the funds needed for a full restoration of the historic house, grounds and slave quarters as they appeared in 1860, as well as an overhaul of its museum exhibits.
Arlington House, as it is known, was built between 1802 and 1818 by Washington's step grandson, George Washington Parke Custis and his slaves on a hilltop overlooking the new capital city.
Lee later married into the family, and it became his plantation estate. Union troops captured the site during the Civil War.
It eventually became Arlington National Cemetery.
The house and grounds symbolize the nation's reconciliation after the Civil War, but it is in poor condition.
The roof leaks inside, and the climate control system is so unstable some artwork can't be displayed. Nearby museum exhibits haven't been updated in 30 years.
The house has about 650,000 visitors each year, and between 1 and 2 million people visit the grounds, park officials said.
Restoration planning has already begun, and much of the work will be completed in late 2015 through 2016.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
