Black-Horse Harry Lee: The Scandal That Lost Stratford and Disgraced a Dynasty

Black-Horse Harry Lee: The Scandal That Lost Stratford and Disgraced a Dynasty

From The Old World with Will Tanner by Will Tanner

August 19, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

The episode explores the tragic life of Henry Lee IV, his rise and fall, and the scandal that affected his family and estate.

This is the tragic story of Henry Lee IV, known to history as Black Horse Harry Lee. Most influential as a friend and ally of Andrew Jackson's, but most infamous for a scandal that shocked the Virginia gentry to its core, Henry went from being a promising young man to the disgrace of Virginia in the wake of a great tragedy that shook his family and Stratford Hall to its core. Listen Ad Free here: https://www.theamericantribune.news/p/black-horse-harry-lee-the-scandal The son of Light Horse Harry Lee and heir to Stratford Hall, Henry began as a promising young man, educated at Washington College and the College of William and Mary. He served with distinction as a major in the War of 1812, and inherited a family estate in deep financial trouble, thanks to Light Horse Harry's debts and sales. Stratford's survival initially depended on a trust arranged by Henry's mother, Matilda Lee, which protected the property for her children. When Henry came of age, he took control of the estate and later married Anne Robinson McCarty, who brought a large fortune in land, bank stock, and other assets. Her money restored Stratford Hall, but the marriage also brought Anne's younger sister, Betsy…

People in this episode

Host: Will Tanner

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Washington College, College of William and Mary

Places: Stratford Hall

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