TRAVELLER'S GRAVE

"Traveller" was Lee's renowned horse, purchased by Lee in 1862 and became his faithful companion throughout the Civil War. Traveller became a well-known figure on the campus of Washington College where Lee served as President until his death. Traveller lived in the stables next to the President's house (which now serves as the garage to the Lee House).

Traveller died in 1871 from lockjaw after stepping on a rusty nail. He was originally buried on campus, but his bones were exhumed to be preserved. They were on display for a number of years on campus before being reinterred at this spot in 1971. The Virginia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy donated the plaque in his memory.

A student tradition evolved of leaving gifts at the grave to provide for Traveller. Students believed that if you left Traveller a gift, you would do well on your next exam. Originally, carrots and apples were the gifts of choice, but eventually, the tradition evolved into leaving coins.

The tradition is that if you leave a penny, it should be left tails side up because Abraham Lincon is on the other side (not really meant to be as disrespectful as it sounds). A quarter (Virginian George Washington and namesake of the school) or nickel (Virginian Thomas Jefferson) is to be left face up.