Fort Myer in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Kingdom of My Childhood
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 29, 2013
1. The Kingdom of My Childhood Marker
Here the Custis and Lee family members entertained guests, strolled with suitors, read precious letters, buried their much beloved pets, communed with nature, engaged in spiritual reflection, and enjoyed the shade and solitude of a wooden arbor.
In particular, the Custis-Lee women bonded in the dirt of this garden. Mary Custis Lee dug in this garden alongside her mother, from the time she could hold a hoe, until her hands crippled. Each of her four daughters dug the same dirt with her, creating their own special spaces and memories.
The enslaved also labored in the garden: weeding, hauling manure, and buckets of water.
After the death of Mrs. Custis, Agnes Lee recalled:
"I have been working in my garden. O how grandma enjoyed the garden! When I look at her flowers they remind me so of her. She has gone to a land where the flowers are far more beautiful."
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. In addition, it is included in the National Cemeteries series list.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Kingdom of my childhood (a few steps from this marker); A Place of Division and Reunification (a few steps from this marker); The Gray Family (a few steps from this marker); Garden to Graves (a few steps from this marker); Guardian of a Nation's Heritage (a few steps from this marker); Division and Reunification (a few steps from this marker); Long Haul (within shouting distance of this marker); Hallowed Ground (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Also see . . . Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial. National Park Service (Submitted on December 10, 2013.)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 29, 2013
2. The Kingdom of My Childhood Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 29, 2013
3. Mildred Lee
Mildred Lee, the youngest daughter of Mary Custis Lee and Robert E. Lee described the garden as "the kingdom of my childhood."Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 29, 2013
4. Rose
Roses from Arlington were famous throughout the area; guests left with armloads of every species. In season, and when at home, Robert E. Lee gathered roses each morning to adorn the breakfast plates of his mother -in-law, wife, daughters and female guests.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 29, 2013
5. Volunteers
Today volunteers don period dress to evoke a spirit of a bygone era.Close-up of photo on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 570 times since then and 8 times this year. Last updated on December 10, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 10, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
