The Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden is gearing up for a special event on April 5, 2025. They’re marking 160 years since the Grosvenor Branch Hospital closed its doors, shining a light on the property’s important role during the Civil War.
This historic site wasn’t just any building during the conflict—it was a Union Army hospital where over a thousand soldiers received treatment. Sadly, many didn’t make it out alive. The event coincides with the U.S. Army medicine’s 250th anniversary, giving visitors a chance to learn about medical practices from the Civil War era.
Join us for a special event honoring the 160th anniversary of the closing of Grosvenor Branch Hospital, once a prominent Union Army medical facility in Alexandria during the Civil War. This event will showcase how the historic Lee-Fendall House Museum was confiscated until April 1865, recognizing the significance of the property and its role in treating over a thousand soldiers – many of whom tragically died within its walls.
In conjunction with the 250th anniversary celebration of United States Army medicine, this event serves as both a remembrance and a reflection on the resilience of those who lived, fought, and died during this pivotal time in American history. Come commemorate the lives lost and learn more about the history of Civil War medicine at this moving event.
There’s a full day of activities planned. Attendees can expect a plaque dedication, a solemn reading of fallen soldiers’ names, guided tours of the hospital areas, and exhibits showcasing Civil War-era medicine. The Union Army took over the Lee-Fendall House until April 1865, using it as a key medical facility during the war.
Schedule of Events
11 :00 AM Garden Doors Open
12:00- 1:00 PM: Free Admission
- Plaque Dedication: A ceremonial unveiling of a plaque to honor those who passed through the house during its time as a hospital, ensuring their memory is preserved for future generations.
- Name Reading Ceremony: A solemn moment to read aloud the names of the soldiers who died at the hospital, paying tribute to their sacrifices and remembering their stories.
1:00-4:00PM: Add-on Activities ($5)
- Guided Hospital Tours @ 1:00 & 3:00PM: Step back in time with expert-led tours of the Lee-Fendall House, learning about its history as a hospital and the medical practices of the era.
- Civil War History Tables: Learn about the surgeons and staff who treated patients, view real archival documents from Grosvenor Branch, and discover herbal medicine that soldiers used from the museum garden.
- Exhibits on Civil War Medicine: Explore an in-depth exhibit showcasing the medical practices used during the Civil War, shedding light on the treatments and care that took place in places like the Lee-Fendall House.
Built in 1785, the house has quite a history. It’s been home to 37 Lee family members, housed Union soldiers, and even welcomed labor leader John L. Lewis. Now, the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation runs the museum, which has earned spots on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a free admission window from noon to 1 p.m., with other activities like guided tours and exhibits available for a $5 fee. Tickets and more information.
