Description
Selina Gray was one of 196 slaves inherited by Mary Custis when Mary’s father died in 1857. Mary was the only surviving child of George Washington’s step-grandson. In the will her father stipulated the slaves were to be freed within five years. Mary’s husband Robert E. Lee, hired out many of those slaves to other plantations, breaking up families. Lee was considered a hard taskmaster who did not shy from having slaves whipped. Lee even petitioned the court to extend their servitude which the court denied. When the Civil War began Mary fled their Arlington mansion in which they had lived for 30 years. She left the house and its contents to be cared for by Selina Gray. Selina is credited with saving many heirlooms that had belonged to George Washington from pilfering by Union soldiers.
This Selina Gray mug is part of our Civil War series profiling participants in the War Between the States.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
- Shipping charges are lower when buying multiple mugs.
