Historic Photo: Lee and His Horse

General Robert E. Lee and his horse, Traveller

A General and His Faithful Horse

Few partnerships in American history are as well known as Robert E. Lee and his horse, Traveller. The gray horse carried Lee through most of the war, from the hills of western Virginia to the long road home from Appomattox.

Lee bought Traveller in 1862. The horse had been raised in the mountains of western Virginia and was known for his strong build, steady gait and fearless nature under fire. Lee admired him greatly and once wrote that Traveller had shared his labors and dangers through the whole war.

Together After the War

When the war ended, Traveller went with Lee to Lexington, Virginia, where the general became president of Washington College, now Washington and Lee University. Students and townspeople often saw Lee riding through the countryside on his old companion. Visitors sometimes plucked hairs from Traveller’s tail as souvenirs.

Lee died in October 1870, and Traveller walked behind his funeral procession. The horse died not long after. Today Traveller is buried just outside Lee Chapel on the campus in Lexington, close to the family crypt where Lee rests. Visitors still leave apples and coins on the grave.

Learn more about the general in our Robert E. Lee birthday post, and remember him with a flag from our Confederate flag collection.

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