Robert E. Lee Timeline
Robert E. Lee by People
Robert E. Lee was a prominent military leader from the United States, best known for commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War. Before the Civil War, he distinguished himself in the Mexican-American War and as Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy. Despite his brilliant strategies, Lee's forces were ultimately defeated, and his surrender in 1865 marked the end of the Confederacy. His legacy is complex, as he fought for a cause that sought to preserve slavery, yet he is also recognized for his military skill and personal character. His life and actions continue to spark debate about heritage, racism, and American identity.
January 19, 1807
Birth of a Future General in Stratford, Virginia
Born in Stratford, Virginia, this future Confederate general grew up in a prominent family with deep roots in American history. His father was a Revolutionary War hero, which greatly influenced his military career. His birth marked the beginning of a life that would significantly impact the course of the United States' history.
July 1, 1825
Admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point
This Confederate general was accepted into West Point, a prestigious military academy. Here, he honed his skills in leadership and strategy, which later played a significant role in his military career. His time at the academy was marked by exceptional discipline and dedication, earning him respect and recognition.
July 1, 1829
Graduation from West Point, Beginning of Military Career
This Confederate general graduated top of his class at West Point, a prestigious military academy. This marked the start of his military journey, which would later lead him to become a key figure in the Civil War. His education at West Point played a crucial role in shaping his leadership skills and military strategies.
June 30, 1831
Marriage to Mary Anna Custis, a Great-Granddaughter of Martha Washington
This marriage connected a future Confederate general to the family of George Washington, America's first president. Mary Anna Custis was the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, George's wife. This union blended two influential families, adding a unique layer to the complex history of the Civil War era.
May 13, 1846
Distinguished Service in the Mexican-American War
This Confederate general showed exceptional military skill during the Mexican-American War. His strategic planning and reconnaissance missions were key to many victories. These experiences shaped his future leadership in the Civil War.
March 1, 1852
Appointment as Superintendent of West Point
This Confederate leader took charge of West Point, a top military academy. His role involved training young soldiers, many of whom would later fight in the Civil War. His leadership skills were honed during this time, shaping his future military strategies.
March 3, 1855
Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the 2nd Cavalry
This promotion marked a significant step in the military career of the future Confederate leader. As Lieutenant Colonel in the 2nd Cavalry, he was given more responsibilities and authority. This position allowed him to gain valuable experience that would later prove crucial during the Civil War.
April 20, 1861
Resignation from the U.S. Army, Decision to Fight for Virginia
When the Civil War was about to start, a high-ranking military officer had to make a tough choice. He was torn between his duty to the entire country and his loyalty to his home state. In the end, he chose to stand with his home, Virginia, and left the U.S. Army to fight for the Confederacy. This decision would shape the course of the war and his legacy.
April 23, 1861
Acceptance of command of Virginia's armed forces in the American Civil War
This was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. The Confederate general took charge of Virginia's military, a significant force in the Southern fight. His leadership would greatly influence the course of the war, making this a key event in American history.
June 1, 1862
Command of the Confederate Army in the Civil War
This was a pivotal moment in the Civil War when the Confederate Army got a new leader. Known for his strategic brilliance, he was tasked with defending the South against the Union forces. His leadership would greatly influence the course of the war.
April 9, 1865
Surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, End of the Civil War
The Confederate general handed over his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, marking a significant turning point. This surrender effectively ended the Civil War, a bloody conflict that had divided the United States for four years. The event took place in a house in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.
October 2, 1865
Assumption of Presidency at Washington College
After the Civil War, the former Confederate general took on a new role as the president of Washington College. He aimed to shape young minds, promoting education as a means to rebuild the South. His leadership at the college marked a significant shift from his military past.
October 12, 1870
Passing Away in Lexington, Virginia
The Confederate general breathed his last in Lexington, Virginia. His health had been declining, and he finally succumbed to the effects of a stroke. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving a significant impact on the South.
Robert E. Lee was a prominent military leader from the United States, best known for commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War. Before the Civil War, he distinguished himself in the Mexican-American War and as Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy. Despite his brilliant strategies, Lee's forces were ultimately defeated, and his surrender in 1865 marked the end of the Confederacy. His legacy is complex, as he fought for a cause that sought to preserve slavery, yet he is also recognized for his military skill and personal character. His life and actions continue to spark debate about heritage, racism, and American identity.
Born in Stratford, Virginia, this future Confederate general grew up in a prominent family with deep roots in American history. His father was a Revolutionary War hero, which greatly influenced his military career. His birth marked the beginning of a life that would significantly impact the course of the United States' history.
This Confederate general was accepted into West Point, a prestigious military academy. Here, he honed his skills in leadership and strategy, which later played a significant role in his military career. His time at the academy was marked by exceptional discipline and dedication, earning him respect and recognition.
This Confederate general graduated top of his class at West Point, a prestigious military academy. This marked the start of his military journey, which would later lead him to become a key figure in the Civil War. His education at West Point played a crucial role in shaping his leadership skills and military strategies.
This marriage connected a future Confederate general to the family of George Washington, America's first president. Mary Anna Custis was the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, George's wife. This union blended two influential families, adding a unique layer to the complex history of the Civil War era.
This Confederate general showed exceptional military skill during the Mexican-American War. His strategic planning and reconnaissance missions were key to many victories. These experiences shaped his future leadership in the Civil War.
This Confederate leader took charge of West Point, a top military academy. His role involved training young soldiers, many of whom would later fight in the Civil War. His leadership skills were honed during this time, shaping his future military strategies.
This promotion marked a significant step in the military career of the future Confederate leader. As Lieutenant Colonel in the 2nd Cavalry, he was given more responsibilities and authority. This position allowed him to gain valuable experience that would later prove crucial during the Civil War.
When the Civil War was about to start, a high-ranking military officer had to make a tough choice. He was torn between his duty to the entire country and his loyalty to his home state. In the end, he chose to stand with his home, Virginia, and left the U.S. Army to fight for the Confederacy. This decision would shape the course of the war and his legacy.
This was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. The Confederate general took charge of Virginia's military, a significant force in the Southern fight. His leadership would greatly influence the course of the war, making this a key event in American history.
This was a pivotal moment in the Civil War when the Confederate Army got a new leader. Known for his strategic brilliance, he was tasked with defending the South against the Union forces. His leadership would greatly influence the course of the war.
The Confederate general handed over his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, marking a significant turning point. This surrender effectively ended the Civil War, a bloody conflict that had divided the United States for four years. The event took place in a house in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.
After the Civil War, the former Confederate general took on a new role as the president of Washington College. He aimed to shape young minds, promoting education as a means to rebuild the South. His leadership at the college marked a significant shift from his military past.
The Confederate general breathed his last in Lexington, Virginia. His health had been declining, and he finally succumbed to the effects of a stroke. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving a significant impact on the South.