Robert E. Lee
Confederate general who led the Army of Northern Virginia.
Robert Edward Lee was born on January 19, 1807, at Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia, the fourth child of Henry Lee III and Anne Hill Carter Lee. His father, a Revolutionary War officer known as "Light Horse Harry" Lee, suffered severe financial losses from failed investments and was twice imprisoned for debt, prompting the family to move to Alexandria after his release in 1810. There, Lee attended a school for young gentlemen in Fauquier County and later the Alexandria Academy, where he excelled in mathematics. After his brother enlisted in the navy in 1820, Lee became the primary caretaker for his invalid mother and sickly sister. He graduated near the top of his class from the United States Military Academy and served for 32 years as an officer and military engineer in the U.S. Army, distinguishing himself in the Mexican–American War and later serving as Superintendent of West Point. He married Mary Anna Custis, a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington. Though he stated philosophical opposition to slavery, he supported its legality and enslaved hundreds of people. When Virginia seceded in 1861, Lee declined a senior Union command and followed his home state, serving initially as a military adviser to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. He took command of the Army of Northern Virginia in June 1862, driving Union forces from Richmond during the Seven Days Battles and winning victories at Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. His two invasions of the North ended at Antietam and Gettysburg, the latter a decisive defeat. After a lengthy siege at Petersburg, Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. Following the war, he became president of Washington College, supporting reconciliation but opposing racial equality. His legacy remains a subject of historical debate.
- born
- January 19, 1807
- died
- October 12, 1870
- field
- Military, Education
- nationality
- American (Confederate)
- known_for
- Commanding the Army of Northern Virginia; overall commander of the Confederate States Army
Lore & Background
Robert Edward Lee was born at Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Henry Lee III and Anne Hill Carter Lee on January 19, 1807. His father, a Revolutionary War officer, suffered severe financial reverses, and the family moved to Alexandria. Lee entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1825, graduating second in his class without any demerits. He was commissioned a brevet second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in June 1829. He married Mary Anna Custis, great-granddaughter of George Washington's wife Martha, on June 30, 1831. While he stated that he opposed slavery from a philosophical perspective, he supported its legality and enslaved hundreds.
Reader's Guide
Lee's significance lies in his role as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, the Confederacy's most powerful army, from 1862 until its surrender in 1865. He succeeded in driving Union forces away from Richmond during the Seven Days Battles and won major victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, but his two major offensives into Union territory ended in failure, including a decisive defeat at Gettysburg. His aggressive and risky tactics resulted in high casualties at a time when the Confederacy had a shortage of manpower. After the war, he became president of Washington College, supporting reconciliation but opposing racial equality for African Americans. His battlefield record, views on race and slavery, and legacy have been the subject of continuing debate and historical controversy.
Did You Know?
- Lee graduated second in his class at West Point and did not incur any demerits during his four-year course of study.
- He was a top graduate of the United States Military Academy and served as its Superintendent.
- Lee married Mary Anna Custis, great-granddaughter of George Washington's wife Martha.
- He became president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in 1865.
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"Madam, don't bring up your sons to detest the United States government. Recollect that we form one country now. Abandon all these local animosities, and make your sons Americans." — Robert E. Lee "We must forgive our enemies. I can truly say that not a day has passed since the war began that I have not prayed for them." — Robert E. Lee "I cannot consent to place in the control of others one who cannot control himself." — Robert E. Lee "Sir, if you ever presume again to speak disrespectfully of General Grant in my presence, either you or I will sever his connection with this university." — Robert E. Lee
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