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28 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • March 2023 A Window on the Past Stratford Hall was established Thomas Lee in the 1730s, and through the stories of its inhabitants, visitors can trace the story of the United States. Two signers of the Declaration of Independence—Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee—called Stratford Hall home. Thomas Lee's daughter, Hannah Lee Corbin was a complex woman who defied several cultural norms of her age. Stratford Hall was the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, who served as superintendent of the U.S. military academy at West Point, leader of the armies of the Confederacy and president of what is now Washington & Lee University. The lives of the enslaved community—their culture, skills and living conditions—can also be explored at Stratford Hall. In addition to early American history, Stratford Hall's 150-foot cliffs along the Potomac River have another story to tell. These cliffs and the beaches below them hold fossils from the Miocene Epoch—17 to 10 million years ago—when this land began emerging from what had been a vast ocean. The beaches—included in admission to the Great House or with a grounds pass—add a sense of adventure to your Stratford Hall visit, as new fossils are washing ashore and being released from the cliffs every day. Westmoreland County historic home offers something for visitors of all ages An authentic living history experience with engaging activities for all ages is available just an hour's drive from Downtown Fredericksburg. If you haven't visited Stratford Hall—an eighteenth century home situated on a nearly 2,000-acre preserve on the Potomac River in Westmoreland County—you'll want to plan a weekend day trip around this treasure in your own back yard. WRITTEN BY EMILY FREEHLING Stratford Hall Brings History to Life A Place to Find Natural Beauty In addition to touring the Great House and historic buildings at Stratford Hall, families can also enjoy it as a place to spend time in nature. March is the start of a beautiful season of blooming and greening in the estate's formal gardens, but don't stop there. Stratford Hall's nearly 2,000 acres are home to six dif- ferent nature trails, all of which are easy walks appropriate for kids of all ages. Some trails offer breathtaking views of the Potomac from atop the cliffs. Dogs on leash are welcome on the grounds.