Office & Studio

his long, narrow room was used as an office by both Mr. Custis and Colonel Lee. Here, Custis, and later Lee, reviewed the accounts from the producing estates on the Pamunkey River, as well as those of Arlington, Arlington Mill and the holdings on the Eastern Shore. Custis also did a lot of writing here, preparing pieces on the life of General Washington and extensive correspondence concerning agricultural matters. In his old age Custis also used the office as painting room, writing in 1852, “I have an excellent studio fitted up in the South wing of the House, with a first-rate light, …a stove & everything comfortable.”

	View of Office & Studio from Conservatory.

After Custis' death in 1857, Lee took over management of the Custis properties and restored the room for use as an office. On Lee's return to his command in Texas in February 1860, he left his sons in charge. Custis Lee was to manage Arlington and Rooney the Pamunkey farms, both under their father's close supervision and guidance.

Today, visitors can see several original family pieces in the room. The desk in the corner was used by Lee during the years 1848 to 1852, while supervising the construction of Fort Carroll, near Baltimore, Maryland. Also of interest are Custis's writing chair and the plain pine stand which Mrs. Lee once gave to her housekeeper maid, Selina Gray. Ms. Gray's descendants later returned it for display in the restored mansion.

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