Selina Gray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Selina Norris Gray
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Grey (right) with two of her children
|
|
| Born | December 1823 |
| Died | 1907 (aged 83–84) |
Selina Norris Gray (born December 1823 – died 1907) was an amazing African American woman. She is famous for protecting valuable items that belonged to George Washington. This happened during the American Civil War. Union soldiers took over Arlington House, the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, on May 24, 1861.
When General Lee and his wife had to leave Arlington House, Selina Gray was given the keys. She was trusted with looking after the main house. The house held many special items from George Washington. These included china, furniture, and artwork. This was because Mary Anna Custis Lee, General Lee's wife, was George Washington's great-granddaughter. Her father, George Washington Parke Custis, who built the house, was also raised by the Washingtons.
Selina's Brave Actions
When Union soldiers arrived, they took over the house. They cut down many trees for firewood and did not treat the house well. Selina Gray noticed that some items were missing. She bravely told the soldiers not to touch "Mrs. Lee's things."
Later, she complained to Union General Irvin McDowell. Because of her actions, the remaining valuable items were saved. These included a bookcase, knife boxes, dinner plates, and other china. They were sent to the Patent Office for safekeeping. Selina's quick thinking helped save important pieces of American history.
Her Early Life
Selina Gray was born in December 1823. Her parents were Leonard and Sally Norris. Selina was born into slavery, just like her parents. Her family had been enslaved at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home.
Selina worked as a personal maid for Mary Lee at Arlington House. She later became the head housekeeper. Around 1847, she married Thornton Gray. They had eight children: Emma, Annice, Florence, Sarah, Ada, Selina, John, and Harry. All their children were born into slavery.
Freedom and Family Legacy
Selina and her family became free in December 1862. This was because of George Washington Parke Custis's will. He had ordered that his enslaved people be freed no later than five years after his death in 1857.
After gaining their freedom, Selina's family continued to live at Arlington House for several years. Her children played a big part in restoring the building in the 1920s and 1930s. Two of her daughters helped the War Department with the house's restoration. The house where they lived as enslaved people has now been restored by the National Park Service.
Selina and her family bought a 10-acre property in Green Valley. They grew and sold vegetables there. Selina lived the rest of her life there and passed away in 1907.
One of her sons, Harry, became a skilled mason. He worked with the Department of the Interior. His house, the Harry W. Gray House, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Harry's grandson, Thornton H. Gray, was a lawyer. He fought with the U.S. Army in World War I. He died in 1943 and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.
A Rare Photograph
In 2014, a rare photograph of Selina Gray was found on eBay. It was bought by the National Park Service's partner, Save Historic Arlington House, for $700. This picture is very special. It is the only known image of an identified enslaved person owned by the Custis and Lee family.
Today, there is a park named after her in Arlington, Virginia. It is called Selina Gray Square. It helps people remember her bravery and important contributions.
