Robert E. Lee | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 31, 2025

Who is Robert E. Lee?

Robert E. Lee was a prominent Confederate general during the U.S. Civil War, recognized for his military tactics and leadership of the Confederate Army. Born on January 19, 1807, in Stratford, Virginia, Lee hailed from an aristocratic family with a rich history, which included notable figures such as a president and signers of the Declaration of Independence. After graduating second in his class from West Point Military Academy, he embarked on a military career that eventually led him to command the Army of Northern Virginia. Lee's strategic brilliance earned him significant victories in battles such as the Seven Days Battles and Second Manassas, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost military leaders of his time.

Despite his military prowess, Lee's legacy remains controversial due to his ties to the Confederacy and the prevailing issues surrounding slavery. Throughout his life, he held complex views on race and slavery, which echo the sentiments of many of his contemporaries. Although he inherited enslaved people and later became executor of his father-in-law's estate, opting to free them only under certain conditions, these actions have led to critical reflections on his character and beliefs. After the war, Lee transitioned to academia, becoming the president of Washington College, which was renamed Washington and Lee University posthumously. Their perspectives on his legacy continue to evolve, with debates surrounding statues and memorials dedicated to his memory igniting discussions about history and its representation today.

Early Life and Education

Robert Edward Lee was born on January 19, 1807, at Stratford Hall, Virginia, into a prominent Virginia family with deep historical roots. The Lees were part of Virginia's aristocracy, with relatives who included a U.S. president, a chief justice, and signers of the Declaration of Independence. Lee's father, Colonel Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, was a celebrated cavalry leader during the American Revolutionary War, earning acclaim from General George Washington. This legacy of excellence heavily influenced Lee, who aspired to uphold the family’s distinguished reputation throughout his life.

At the age of 18, Lee enrolled at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Demonstrating extraordinary dedication and aptitude, he graduated second in his class in 1829, completing four years of study without a single demerit. His academic excellence was matched by his military training, where he excelled in artillery, infantry, and cavalry. This foundation in military education set the stage for Lee's future as a leading military tactician during the Civil War, as he would later become known for his strategic brilliance and ability to command effectively.

Military Career Begins: Service in the Mexican War

Robert E. Lee's military career gained significant momentum during the Mexican-American War, which erupted in 1846. Initially serving as a lieutenant colonel, Lee was assigned to the Army of Northern Virginia under General Winfield Scott. His tactical expertise and courageous leadership became vital during key battles, including the Siege of Veracruz and the Battle of Chapultepec. Lee's ability to maneuver troops effectively and engage with the enemy drew immense praise. General Scott recognized Lee's exceptional capabilities, famously suggesting that the government should consider insuring the commander due to his indispensable contributions to the war effort.

Lee's successful service in the Mexican-American War solidified his reputation as one of the U.S. Army's preeminent officers. His experiences during these conflict years not only allowed him to refine his military strategies but also prepared him for the more extensive challenges that lay ahead in the Civil War. As a military tactician, he distinguished himself with his quick thinking and decisive actions, characteristics that would later come to define his command of Confederate forces. Ultimately, his achievements during this early phase of his military career laid the groundwork for the legacy he would build on the battlefields of the Civil War.

Successes and Achievements: General-in-Chief of Confederate Troops

Robert E. Lee’s military acumen shone brightly during the U.S. Civil War, particularly in his role as the General-in-Chief of the Confederate troops. After taking command of the Army of Northern Virginia in 1862, Lee achieved a series of stunning victories against Union forces, showcasing his capabilities as a brilliant tactician. Notable engagements such as the Seven Days Battles and the Second Battle of Bull Run, where he successfully outmaneuvered larger Union forces, solidified his reputation and garnered respect from both allies and adversaries. Lee’s leadership style relied on swift, aggressive tactics, successfully gaining the upper hand early in the war and establishing himself as a formidable figure in military history.

Despite facing significant challenges and eventual defeats, including the catastrophic loss at the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee continued to command loyalty and admiration from his troops. His tenacity, strategic insights, and ability to inspire those under his command allowed him to maintain morale even as the tide turned against the Confederacy. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in 1865 marked the end of the Civil War, but his legacy as a skilled military leader endures. After the war, he transitioned into academia and became the president of Washington College, further cementing his place in American history, both as a controversial and respected figure.

Final Years: President of Washington College

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee faced a new chapter in his life when he took on the role of president at Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. Appointed in October 1865, Lee dedicated himself to the institution, emphasizing the importance of education and moral character. His leadership sought to restore the college's finances and re-establish its reputation, which had suffered amid the turmoil of war. Under his guidance, Lee worked tirelessly to promote enrollment and foster a sense of community among faculty and students, aiming to instill in them the values of integrity and hard work that he held dear.

While Lee's tenure at Washington College marked a shift from military commander to educational leader, his legacy remained complex. He navigated the challenges of a post-war South while striving to shape the minds of young men during a pivotal time in American history. His efforts to emphasize reconciliation and unity resonated with many, though the deeper implications of his past as a Confederate general would continue to stir debate. Lee’s commitment to education and moral leadership ultimately transformed Washington College into a respected institution, and following his death in 1870, it was renamed Washington and Lee University in his honor, ensuring his lasting impact on higher education.

Personal Life: Married Life | Wife | Children

Robert E. Lee married Mary Custis in 1831, the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington. Their union took place at Mary’s family plantation in Arlington, Virginia, where they established their primary residence for the next three decades. This estate became particularly significant, as it would later be occupied by Union forces during the Civil War, ultimately becoming the site of Arlington National Cemetery. Mary inherited the Arlington plantation outright in 1857 after her father's death, marking a shift in their family's dynamics and financial responsibilities, especially with Lee's military obligations.

Together, Robert and Mary Lee had seven children: three sons—George Washington Custis, William “Rooney,” and Robert Jr.—and four daughters, named Mary, Anne, Eleanor Agnes, and Mildred. Their children were closely affected by the Civil War, with the three sons serving in the Confederate Army alongside their father. Mary managed the household and plantation in Lee’s absence, navigating the challenges of wartime life. After the war, the family's life shifted dramatically as they dealt with the consequences of the conflict and the loss of their estate.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Legacy

Robert E. Lee's financial standing, particularly during the Civil War and its aftermath, reflects the complexities of his life as a military leader and social figure. While exact figures for his net worth are difficult to ascertain, records indicate that before the war, Lee benefited from managing the Arlington plantation. His wealth, however, diminished significantly following the seizure of his property by Union troops, which ultimately transformed into Arlington National Cemetery. Despite the loss, Lee secured a notable position as president of Washington College after the war, a role that contributed to his legacy as an educator and civic leader.

Lee's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his military accomplishments and the contentious historical interpretation that followed. He is often regarded as one of the most skilled military tacticians of his time, earning respect even from his adversaries. Yet, the legacy of slavery and the Confederacy has made Lee a polarizing figure in American history. The statues and memorials erected in his honor have sparked debate over race, history, and memory, illustrating how interpretations of his life and actions continue to evolve, reflecting broader societal changes and conflicts in understanding the U.S. Civil War and its implications.