Robert Lee

Robert Lee

Southern commander
Date of Birth: 19.01.1807
Country: USA

Biography of Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807, in Stratford, Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Henry Lee and Anne Hill Carter. His father was a prominent figure in the Southern military. In 1811, the Lee family moved to Alexandria. However, during the Baltimore riot in 1812, his father sustained severe injuries and left Alexandria.

Tragedy struck the family again in 1818 when Robert's father passed away on Cumberland Island, Georgia. In 1825, Robert began his education at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated second in his class in 1829. Unfortunately, his mother passed away in Ravensworth, Virginia, during his time at West Point.

After graduation, Lee was assigned to Hampton Roads, Virginia. In 1831, he married Mary Randolph Custis from Arlington. He served as an assistant to the commanding engineer corps from 1834 to 1837 and was involved in the construction of the Mississippi River dam in St. Louis in 1837. Lee was promoted to the rank of captain in the Army Corps of Engineers in 1838 and participated in the construction of Fort Hamilton, New York, in 1841.

During the Mexican-American War, from 1846 to 1847, Lee played a significant role in the campaign. In 1848, he continued his service in Mexico. From 1849 to 1852, Lee was involved in the construction of defensive structures in Baltimore. He then served as the superintendent of West Point from 1852 to 1855.

In 1855, Lee was appointed to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment with a promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He participated in military operations against Native Americans in Texas from 1855 to 1859. In October 1859, Lee played a crucial role in suppressing the John Brown uprising.

In 1860, Lee returned to Arlington and was promoted to colonel of the 1st Cavalry Regiment on March 16. On April 16, he received an offer to command the United States land forces but chose to resign from the U.S. Army on April 20. On April 23, he accepted the position as commander of the armed forces in Virginia. From May to July, he formed troops in Virginia and served as an assistant to President Davis in Richmond. From August to October, Lee led the campaign in Western Virginia. In November, he oversaw the construction of coastal fortifications in South Carolina and Georgia.

In March 1862, Lee became a military advisor to President Davis. On June 1, he assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia. He commanded Confederate forces in the Seven Days Battle near Richmond from June 26 to July 2. On August 30, he defeated Pope in the Second Battle of Manassas. Lee crossed the Potomac River and entered Maryland on September 5. He commanded the Confederates in the Battle of Antietam on September 12 and then retreated from Maryland. On December 13, he achieved victory over Burnside at Fredericksburg.

In 1863, Lee won the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2-3 but suffered the loss of his trusted lieutenant, Stonewall Jackson, on May 10. In June, Lee prepared for a second invasion of the North. He suffered defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg from July 1-3 and retreated across the Potomac. In October-November, he led an ineffective campaign at Mine Run. He then led his troops into winter quarters until the following March.

In 1864, Lee clashed with Grant at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5-6. From May 8 to 18, he commanded Confederate forces in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. From May 21 to June 1, he led defensive operations in the rear. Lee commanded the Confederates at the Battle of Cold Harbor on June 2-3. On June 18, he joined Beauregard in Petersburg, beginning the siege by Union forces. On July 30, he achieved victory at the Battle of the Crater.

In 1865, Lee was appointed the overall commander of all Confederate forces on February 9. On April 2, he evacuated Petersburg, and on April 3, Union forces entered Richmond. He surrendered to Grant at Appomattox on April 9. On April 10, he issued his farewell order to the Army of Northern Virginia. On July 13, he appealed to authorities for amnesty. On August 4, he was elected president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia.

In 1867, Lee was denied the right to run for governor of Virginia. In March-April 1870, he received medical treatment in Georgia. Robert E. Lee passed away on October 12, 1870, in Lexington, leaving behind a significant legacy as a distinguished military leader.

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