preview

Robert E Lee Biography

Better Essays

Many People know Robert E. Lee as the leader of the Confederate Army during the Civil War, but there is more to him then that. Robert Edward Lee, was born in Virginia, January 19, 1807 (Robert E. Lee,1).Lee was born the fourth child of Colonel Henry Lee and Ann Hill Carter. Lee's father, also known as "Light-Horse Harry," had been a cavalry leader during the Revolutionary War. Henry Lee had also served as governor of Virginia. (General Robert E. Lee,1) His father was a revolutionary war hero.Throughout Robert's life when he was younger, he dealt with economic hardship which ended up causing his father to leave. With all that happening Robert secured himself an appointment with the United States Military academy at West Point. After graduating …show more content…

When Lee left Appomattox he started a new adventure away from the soldier's life in the field and to Lexington. His leadership skills ended up benefiting him as he became president of a small college. On April 15th, when he returned to his family in Richmond he lived in a city frantically rebuilding itself. After a couple of months he and his family ended up moving to Derwent, into a house owned by Elizabeth Randolph Cocke. This was west of Richmond and away from the city. Lee enjoyed the country and contemplated living out the rest of his life buying land and becoming a farmer. He had no desire to leave Virginia. Lee said, "I cannot desert my native state in the hour of her adversity," he remarked to a friend. "I must abide her fortune, and share her fate." Although this was his plan it did not last long. Washington College in Lexington wanted him as president. They felt he was perfect choice since he was superintendent at West Point and was also had a very recognizable name. After talking it over with family and friends he accepted their offer and went on to new thing at Lexington. Lee ended up arriving in mid September of 1865 and went to work immediately. The college had grown enormously since then. Student population rose, as well as contributions from the south and northern sources. This did end up taking a toll on Lee. His heart condition he had since the …show more content…

Lee’s life, he accomplished alot. He was a very successful leader and role model. His name is still well known and although he was the commander of the Confederate Army, he is still really respected. With all his hard work throughout his life, working in the military, working at West Point and being leader and commander of the Confederate Army, he did a lot in his life. Let’s not forget he also was a Principle of a college that he helped make more popular and more students want to attend. Even Though he died due to an illness, he lived a great life and had a family and left an impact on a majority of people. Robert E. Lee is more than just the leader and commander of the Confederate Army. He was a father, educator, husband and role

Get Access