William Graham: Founder of Liberty Hall Academy - SEW

If you stand facing Lee Chapel, and walk down the grass on the left side, you will find a grave that is otherwise unmarked and doesn't have any paths leading to it. It is the grave of William Graham (1746-1799), the founder of Liberty Hall Academy, which would later become Washington and Lee University. Inscribed on the inconspicuous tombstone are his dates and some information about him, and without this assignment I would not have been aware of its existence.

Considering that this man was the founder of what is now our university, my initial reaction was surprise that such a prominent figure in the founding of our school was laid to rest in such an undistinguished location. My following thought was that Lee's fame outshone Graham's hierarchical position in the founding of W&L, not to mention Lee's support of the South which brought in many students after the Civli War.

Perhaps the grave is reflective of the man for whom it was created. Maybe William Graham didn't have a large presence or a social circle. The solidarity of his grave, surrounded by a fence enclosing only him, does not suggest at a family. Although, the plaque informs us that his remains were moved from Richmond, VA in 1911, where they now rest closer to his friend and classmate "Lighthorse Harry" Lee, Robert E. Lee's grandfather, what a small world. The grave itself is marble and lies flush with the grassy hill, the inscription is faded and there is a small Southern Cross of Honor at the head of his tombstone. All in all an unassuming and commonplace, but in a peaceful and beautiful position, under the shade of a blooming tree at the school that he loved.