George Washington Parke Custis Papers, 1983-1984.

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440

Summary

Creator:
George Washington Parke Custis, Francis Nelson .
Abstract:
Letters, 1832-1856, of George Washington Parke Custis of "Arlington House," Virginia, to Francis Nelson, the manager of his "White House" plantation in New Kent County, Virginia.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Papers, 1832-1856, of George Washington Parke Custis of "Arlington." The collection is mostly letters written to Francis Nelson, his farm manager at "White House," New Kent County, Virginia concerning growing and marketing crops, agricultural improvements, the effect of the proposed Richmond and York River Railroad on the plantation, and Robert E. Lee. There are a few additional letters to Nelson from merchants and railroad officials, and photostats of 2 additional Custis letters.

Biographical / historical:

George Washington Parke Custis was the son of John Parke Custis who was the stepson of George Washington. Custis' mother was Eleanor Calvert. He grew up at "Mount Vernon" after the death of his father. He married Mary Lee Fitzhugh and lived at "Arlington." His daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis married Robert E. Lee. George Washington Parke Custis was a playwright and agricultural reformer.

Acquisition information:
Deposit: 55 items, 30 January 1948.
Arrangement:
Organization

This collection is organized three series: Series 1 contains materials dated 1832-1849, Series 2 contains materials dated 1850-1854, Series 3 contains materials dated 1855-1856.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged chronologically by date.

Physical description:
55 items.