Virginia conservators open time capsule found in Robert E Lee statue’s pedestal

Box, deposited in 1887, did not appear to hold a rare photo of Abraham Lincoln that had been hoped for

More than 130 years after a time capsule was deposited in the pedestal of a statue of the Confederate general Robert E Lee, and after one false start, conservators in Virginia were finally able to open the long sought-after box on Tuesday.

The 36lb copper container, deposited in 1887, was removed on Monday after it was found sitting in water in the remains of the pedestal.