University Chapel

University Chapel of Washington and Lee University
University Chapel of Washington and Lee University (Lee Chapel)
LocationWashington and Lee University campus, Lexington, Virginia
Coordinates37°47′14″N 79°26′32″W / 37.78722°N 79.44222°W / 37.78722; -79.44222
Built1867
Architectural styleRomanesque Revival
Part ofWashington and Lee University Historic District (ID71001047)
NRHP reference No.66000914
VLR No.117-0019
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1966
Designated NHLDecember 19, 1960
Designated NHLDCPNovember 11, 1971
Designated VLRSeptember 9, 1969

University Chapel (formerly Lee Chapel) of Washington and Lee University is a National Historic Landmark in Lexington, Virginia. It was constructed during 1867–68 at the request of Robert E. Lee, who was president of the school (then known as Washington College), and after whom the university is, in part, named. The Victorian brick architectural design was probably the work of Lee's son, George Washington Custis Lee, with details contributed by Col. Thomas Williamson, an architect and professor of engineering at the neighboring Virginia Military Institute. Upon completion and during Robert E. Lee's lifetime it was known as the College Chapel. Lee was buried beneath the chapel in 1870.