Stratford Hall Historic Preserve

Stratford Hall Historic Preserve encompasses 1,700 of its original acres. Its magnificent setting atop a high bluff above the Potomac River and varied landscape with more than three miles of scenic nature trails, all lined with wildflowers, provide countless viewing opportunities for the wildlife enthusiast. Visitors will encounter six nature trails (trail descriptions are available on the Stratford Hall website) of various hiking difficulty, ranging from leisurely strolling opportunities to endurance training. Common bird species to look for include great blue heron and green-backed heron, ruddy duck, turkey vulture, osprey, bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, spotted sandpiper, mourning dove, and northern mockingbird.

In addition to the wildlife viewing, Stratford Hall represents a piece of history as the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and home to four generations of the Lee family, including the only brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence, Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee. The property was bought in 1929 by the Robert E. Lee Memorial Association and has been restored and operated by that entity ever since; it is still managed as a farm today.