Robert E.Lee

Robert E. LeeBy nick Lee, Robert E. was a great general who commanded the Confederate Army in the American Civil War. He is one of the most important figures in the history of the American South. Lees fame rests both on his military achievements and on his character. He won the admiration and respect of Northerners as well as Southerners.

Unlike President Abraham Lincoln, who led the North in the Civil War, Lee was not a self-made man. Lee's family was a leading family of Virginia. The Lees were one of the most distinguished families in the United States. A kinsman, Thomas Lee, had served as royal governor of the colony. Lee was also related to Francis Lightfoot Lee and Richard Henry Lee. Both had been statesmen and soldiers during the American Revolution (1775-1783). His father, Henry Lee, was known as "Light-Horse Harry." Light-Horse Harry Lee had been a brilliant cavalry commander in the Revolutionary War. The Lee mansion, Matholic, burned in the early 1700's. Queen Caroline of England gave Thomas Lee money to help rebuild it. Lee called the new building Stratford Hall.

Early in the war, Lee supervised the construction of bridges for Wool's march toward the Mexican border. He then did excellent work on scouting trips. He was shortly transferred to General Winfield Scott's command. He took part in the capture of Veracruz. Lee's engineering skill made it possible for American troops to cross the difficult mountain passes on the way to the capital. During the march to Mexico City, Lee was promoted to brevet major, then to brevet lieutenant colonel. He was promoted to brevet colonel before the war ended.

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Study Guide What was he?Officer GeneralPrivatecommander

B. GeneralStudy Guide Were did he marchMexico ORFlorida

C. Mexico Study Guide Which side was Robert E. lee on?South ORB. North A. SouthThe End