Last updated: May 3, 2024
Place
Information Panel: Paying Tribute
NPS / Claire Hassler
Quick Facts
Amenities
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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
George Washington Parke Custis was "land rich" - a man of 18,000 acres and 200 enslaved laborers inherited through his lineage to Martha Washington. Custis pooled these resources to build Arlington House in memory of his step-grandfather, his idol, George Washington. The Greek Revival Style mansion, designed by Capitol architect George Hadfield, glorified the ideals of Washington.
Construction began in 1802. Though Custis had access to land and labor, he could not afford real stone. Workers covered clay bricks with stucco and painted them to look like sandstone, a material used to build the White House.
Enslaved laborers, free blacks, and indentured servants built the mansion in four phases. Phase 1 1802. Phase 2 1803-1804. Phase 3 1810-1811 Remodel. Phase 4 1817-1818.
Construction began in 1802. Though Custis had access to land and labor, he could not afford real stone. Workers covered clay bricks with stucco and painted them to look like sandstone, a material used to build the White House.
Enslaved laborers, free blacks, and indentured servants built the mansion in four phases. Phase 1 1802. Phase 2 1803-1804. Phase 3 1810-1811 Remodel. Phase 4 1817-1818.