Washington and Lee University - Calyx Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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It was during the Nineteenth century that Washington and Lee assumed the form by which we recognize it today. George Washington ' s historic gift to Liberty Hall Academy of $50,000 in James River Canal Stock provided much needed income for the institution. In remembrance of this generous endowment, the Academy was renamed Washington College; and in 1824 the Washington College Buildings were constructed from the endowment of many friends of the institution. The Central building was named in honor of Washington. The two buildings flanking it were named for John Robinson and John Barton Payne. Robinson, a local financier, farmer, and successful businessman, served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Washington College. Payne, a native of Virginia, served as Secretary of the Interior under Woodrow Wil- son. Although he was not an alumnus, he was sincerely interested in the school. The building constructed during this period which has perhaps the greatest intrinsic value is, of course, Lee Chapel. The building was built in 1867 under the supervision of Presi- dent Robert E. Lee. Although Lee ' s term of service to the University was cut short by his death, the man ' s contribution is an unforgettable one. The Chapel, which was later extended to house the recumbent statue of Lee as well as the Lee family crypt, is a constant reminder of the debt of gratitude which the institution owes the man whose name it bears. The Washington College group, ccmstructed in 1824.