Lee Chapel: A Mecca for Tourists (1925)

[The 1925 W&L Alumni Magazine describes Lee Chapel’s popularity. For more info, see the full magazine.]

Lee Chapel, c. 1885. SOURCE: W&L Spectator

The number of tourists registering at the Lee Chapel during the past summer was double that of any preceding period. Seven thousand, three hundred and thirty-eight registered during the month of August alone. In as much as many tourists visit the Chapel without registering, it is safe to estimate that ten thousand people passed through the Chapel every month during the summer.

Some interesting figures regarding the visitors to the Lee Shrine have been given out by Mrs. Albert S. Edwards, Custodian. From her record we find that various conventions visit the Chapel in a body from surrounding towns. Four hundred Confederate Veterans and their sponsors came from the State U. C. V. Convention. Two hundred came from the State Convention of the American Legion. One hundred thirty-six editors representing thirty-eight states assembled there to hear a welcoming address from President Henry Louis Smith. A delegation of fifty schoolteachers from the University of Virginia Summer School came over.

Many foreign countries are represented on the Chapel Registrar. France, Holland, Greece, China, Canada. India, Australia, England, Hawaii, The Phillipine Islands, Syria, Cuba and various countries of South and Central America were represented during the past summer.

Among the many distinguished personages visiting the Chapel, famous authors, railroad presidents, military leaders, politicians, sculptors and artists are listed. Also several relatives and descendants of George Washington, Robert E. Lee and of Colonel E. V. Valentine, the sculptor, have registered.

The Confederate Veterans, rapidly diminishing in numbers, are, as always, deeply touched by the likeness of their beloved Commander portrayed in Valentine’s recumbent statute of General Lee. Many have interesting stories to tell of their service in the Gray ranks. Two Veterans from Scotland told of running the blocade in ’61 and of their work in the Treasury Department of the C. S. A.

Visiting Alumni are also prompt in paying their respects in this impressive shrine of their College days.