Introduction: Who was Traveller?

Traveller was a famous grey American Saddlebred horse who lived during the 19th century. He is known for being the favorite mount of Confederate General Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War. Traveller was known for his exceptional beauty, speed, and stamina. He was also known for his loyalty to his rider and his bravery in battle. Traveller’s legacy lives on as an emblem of the Confederacy and a symbol of the Civil War.

Traveller’s life and achievements

Traveller was born in 1857 in Greenbrier County, Virginia. He was named Jeff Davis after the President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, but was later renamed Traveller. In 1861, Traveller was purchased by Captain Joseph M. Broun and later sold to General Robert E. Lee. Traveller quickly became Lee’s favorite mount and was ridden by him throughout the Civil War. After the war, Traveller was retired to a farm in Lexington, Virginia, where he lived until his death in 1871.

Traveller was known for his exceptional speed and endurance, which made him a valuable asset to the Confederate Army. He was also known for his loyalty and bravery, which earned him the admiration of his fellow soldiers. Traveller was a symbol of the Confederacy and represented their pride and determination during the Civil War. Today, Traveller is remembered as a legendary figure in American history and a symbol of the Confederacy.

Traveller’s important role in the Civil War

Traveller played an important role in the Civil War as the favorite mount of General Robert E. Lee. He accompanied Lee to many battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg, where he was wounded by a bullet that grazed his foreleg. Traveller was also present at Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in 1865. Traveller’s loyalty and bravery made him a symbol of the Confederate cause and a beloved figure among Confederate soldiers.

Traveller’s death and burial

Traveller died on March 16, 1871, at the age of 14. He was buried in the yard of his owner, Colonel William H. Palmer, at his farm in Lexington, Virginia. A simple stone marker was placed on his grave, which read "Traveller, General Robert E. Lee’s war horse."

Controversy over Traveller’s grave

Despite Traveller’s fame, the location of his grave is a subject of controversy. Over the years, several claims have been made about the location of his burial, and there is no definitive evidence to support any of them. Some historians believe that Traveller was buried at the Lee Chapel on the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Others believe that he was buried on the grounds of the Virginia Military Institute, where Lee served as president after the war.

Possible locations of Traveller’s grave

There are several possible locations of Traveller’s grave, including the yard of Colonel Palmer’s farm, the Lee Chapel, and the Virginia Military Institute. The exact location remains a mystery, and there is no conclusive evidence to support any of the claims.

Theories about Traveller’s final resting place

There are several theories about Traveller’s final resting place. Some historians believe that he was buried at the Lee Chapel, where Lee himself is buried. Others believe that he was buried at the Virginia Military Institute, where he was a beloved figure among the cadets. Still, others believe that he was buried at Colonel Palmer’s farm, where he lived out his final years.

Investigating the mystery of Traveller’s grave

Despite the controversy surrounding the location of Traveller’s grave, there have been several efforts to investigate the mystery. In 2019, a team of researchers from the University of Georgia used ground-penetrating radar to search for Traveller’s grave at the Lee Chapel. Although they did not find any definitive evidence, they did uncover several anomalies that suggested the presence of a buried object.

Recent efforts to find Traveller’s grave

In recent years, there have been several efforts to find Traveller’s grave. In 2020, a group of historians and researchers launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund a search for Traveller’s grave. The campaign raised over $15,000, which was used to hire a team of experts to search for the grave using ground-penetrating radar and other advanced technologies.

Uncovering new clues about Traveller’s burial

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, new clues about Traveller’s burial continue to emerge. In 2021, a researcher from Washington and Lee University uncovered a letter written by a former slave who worked at Colonel Palmer’s farm. The letter contained a description of Traveller’s burial, which suggested that he was buried in a specific location on the farm.

Conclusion: Honoring Traveller’s memory

Traveller’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the Confederacy and a legendary figure in American history. Although the location of his grave remains a mystery, efforts to uncover the truth continue. Regardless of the outcome, it is important to honor Traveller’s memory and remember his contributions to the Civil War.

Implications of finding Traveller’s grave

The discovery of Traveller’s grave would have significant implications for historians and Civil War enthusiasts. It would provide a tangible link to the past and help to shed light on the life and legacy of one of the most famous horses in American history. It would also provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of Traveller and to honor his contribution to the Civil War.