The History of Lee-Fendall House

The History of Lee-Fendall House

Story by Alexandria Lindstrom | Photograph Submitted by Lee-Fendall House



With its vast history, it’s no wonder one encounters the vestiges of that past in the homes that still stand proudly throughout Alexandria. One such home, the Lee-Fendall House, is the perfect example as it has been home to many notable families and individuals and seen many historic occurrences through its 250 years that bore great impact on how our nation has been shaped.


The Lee-Fendall House has served as a museum and gardens for the past 50 years and it bears testament to America’s story through its many preserved artifacts – both past owners’ authentic belongings and historically accurate replicas – little glimpses into the lives of those who lived there, each important in their own way. “What makes Lee-Fendall special to the community is the sheer scope of the house’s history. Unlike most other historic house museums, Lee-Fendall was lived in as a family home for almost 200 years, from 1785 to 1969. This means that we can tell a broad, sweeping story that ranges from the early Republic to the Civil War and all the way up to the Civil Rights era. When the house was built, the Constitution hadn’t yet been written; and the house’s last resident owner died the same summer that people walked on the moon for the first time. Our story shows how life changed for people – in the community, in the state, and in the nation over that span of time – and how much we still have in common with people who lived in the past,” said Lee-Fendall board member Megan Ritter. And through the use of its grounds as a popular wedding venue, the Lee-Fendall House is truly a living museum, making new love stories part of its continuing history – and this is one place that definitely blooms with life.


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