Robert E. Lee's Office

Each morning at 8:00, Lee came to his office after attending chapel. Until early afternoon, he attended to his extensive correspondence and reviewed the latest trends in a broad collection of catalogs from other colleges as he planned a modern curriculum for Washington College.

Seated at his comfortable table, Lee personally interviewed each new student, discussed the weekly reports of faculty members, and greeted visitors. Noted for his courtesy and consideration of others, he placed a premium on civility. He replaced strict disciplinary regulations for students with a single rule of conduct intended to develop a sense of character and responsibility based on truth, honor, and courtesy. His commitment still lives in the honor system administered today by the students of Washington and Lee University.