Sketch of the Northwest Bedroom [Girls' Chamber] This Cruel
War!-Roughing it at Arlington House Va. By Charly Miyan Pencil
sketch of the northwest bedroom, also known as the Girls’
Chamber, second floor, Arlington House. This sketch made by a
Union soldier is the only picture known to exist of the interior
of historic Arlington House. It depicts a soldier leaning back
in a chair with his feet on a table, bottles in the fireplace,
and several pieces of furniture that are still at Arlington
House. These are drawn in detail, including the statue of the
Three Graces and a secretary or desk. This sketch was probably
made early in the war as, by the end of the war, very few of the
Lee’s possessions remained. During the Civil War, Arlington
ceased being a plantation and family home. It became an armed
encampment. Geography made the estate vital to the defense of
Washington. Robert E. Lee knew that the US Army would occupy his
home. When he made his decision to offer his services to
Virginia, he sacrificed his family