Lee Hall, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lee Hall, Virginia
|
|
|---|---|
Lee Hall in December 2007
|
|
Location in the State of Virginia
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
Lee Hall is a community in the northern part of Newport News. Newport News is a city in Virginia, United States. Lee Hall is known for its history. It has important sites from the American Civil War.
History
Lee Hall is named after Lee Hall Mansion. This large house was built in 1859. It belonged to Richard Decatur Lee, a local farmer. He was not related to General Robert E. Lee.
During the American Civil War in 1862, the mansion was a headquarters. Confederate generals Joseph E. Johnston and John B. Magruder used it. This was during the Peninsula Campaign.
Close by is Endview Plantation. This old house is over 200 years old. Endview was a hospital during the Civil War. It was also a camp during the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Railroads and Roads
Lee Hall Depot was a train station. It was built in 1881. This station was part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O). This railway helped transport coal from Newport News.
On October 19, 1881, the first passenger train left Newport News. It took people to a celebration in Yorktown. Temporary tracks were laid from Lee Hall Depot for this event. The Boxwood Inn was built nearby in 1897.
Lee Hall Depot became very busy. This happened after Fort Eustis was built in 1918. Fort Eustis was first called Camp Abraham Eustis. The station handled a lot of freight and troop movements. This busy activity continued during World War II. A rail line from Lee Hall led to the base. The Fort Eustis Military Railroad operated there.
In the early 1900s, cars became popular. Roads were improved for them. U.S. Route 60 was built through Lee Hall. It connected Williamsburg to Newport News. This road was important for travel.
A big celebration happened in 1924 at Lee Hall Depot. It marked the completion of the first paved road. This road connected Newport News and Williamsburg. Today, U.S. 60 is still a main road in Lee Hall. It runs next to State Route 143 and Interstate 64.
Modern Preservation
Lee Hall has kept its rural feel. This is partly because of Newport News Park. The park and Newport News Reservoir are nearby. These natural areas help keep the community quiet.
In the 21st century, Lee Hall Depot is still standing. It is the only C&O train station of its kind left in the Lower Peninsula. It is now a museum. The depot was moved in 2009. It reopened as a museum in 2021.
The area around the depot is called Lee Hall Village. It has been restored. The Boxwood Inn is across the street. It is an old house from 1896. It is now a bed and breakfast. You can stay there overnight. The city also offers tours of Lee Hall Mansion and Endview Plantation.
Transportation
You can reach Lee Hall by car. It is near exit 247 of Interstate 64. U.S. Route 60 and State Route 238 also meet near the historic train station.
Lee Hall also has public transportation. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) serve the area.
- HRT operates Route 108 and Route 116. These routes run between Patrick Henry Mall and Warwick Blvd.
- WATA operates the Grey Line. It comes into Lee Hall every hour. During busy weekdays, it comes every 30 minutes.
Images for kids
-
Lee Hall Mansion.
-
Lee Hall Mansion.
-
C&O Depot at Lee Hall, VA.
