The Chamber, as it was called 200 years ago, is a large and airy room that faces south and east. The room retains its original Federal period woodwork. Robert E. Lee's father, "Light Horse Harry" Lee, enlarged this corner room, taking space from the adjoining nursery. The windows have raised paneled interior shutters, which fold into the window recesses and were used to monitor both light and heat.

Above the mantel hangs a Thomas Sully portrait of Mary Custis Lee's cousin Julia Calvert Stuart. She was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Mary Custis and Robert E. Lee. Robert E. Lee was born in this room in 1807. His walnut spindled crib on springs is hung with netting that would have protected the infant from annoying insects.

Although the Chamber was the most private room in the household, it is where the mistress of the plantation would have visited and read with her children, conferred with the housekeeper and entertained friends at tea.

Continue on to the Nursery or go to the Floor Plan.