Robert E. Lee's Early Life and Background

Robert E. Lee seemed destined for greatness. His father was a Revolutionary War hero and at West Point he graduated second in his class!

His Role in the Civil War

In 1861, when the Southern states seceded from the Union, Lee was offered the opportunity to command the Union forces. However, even though he was against the war, his loyalty to his home state of Virginia wouldn’t let him fight for the North.

Legacy

Despite the South’s ultimate defeat, General Robert E. Lee remains one of the United States’ true military heroes.