Birth and Family Ties

Robert E. Lee was born into a prominent Virginia family with strong ties to the state and the nation

Education and Early Military Career

Admission to West Point

Despite financial struggles, Lee's proficiency in mathematics earned him a place at West Point, where he graduated second in his class

Service in the Mexican-American War

Lee's strategic brilliance and distinguished service during the Mexican-American War under General Winfield Scott earned him recognition and future connections with his peers and opponents during the Civil War

Influence as Superintendent of West Point

Lee's tenure as superintendent of West Point from 1852 to 1855 allowed him to shape the education of future military leaders and demonstrate his loyalty to the Union

Virginia's Secession and Lee's Ties to the State

Despite his personal belief that secession was akin to rebellion, Lee's strong ties to Virginia, including his father's Revolutionary War heroism and his marriage to a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, led him to resign from the U.S. Army and join the Confederate Army

Role in the Confederate Army

Lee eventually assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia and orchestrated key victories, but also faced defeat and surrender to the Union in 1865

Reconciliation and Efforts to Rebuild the Nation

After the Civil War, Lee advocated for reconciliation and focused on education as president of Washington College

Views on Slavery and Race

Personal Disapproval of Slavery

While Lee personally disapproved of slavery, his actions as manager of the Custis estate's enslaved people and his support for colonization reflect the contradictions of his position

Legacy and Reassessment

Lee's legacy remains complex, as his military skill and role in the Confederate cause have been reassessed in recent years, leading to the removal of his statues in various locations