Robert Edward Lee graduated second in his class at West Point. He served in the Mexican War and became superintendent at West Point from 1852-1855. As the Civil War approached he was offered command of the entire U.S. Army, but he declined the position because of his devotion to Virginia and the possibility of having to lead troops into Virginia in the event of a civil war. He resigned his commission and accepted appointment as commander of Virginia forces. After the Civil war he became President of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) until his death in 1870.
Web sites
- About Famous People
- Confederate Military History, Volume 1
- From Revolution to Reconstruction
- Nationmaster.com
- Pictures of Robert E. Lee
- Son of the South/Lee Foundation
- Stratford Hall Plantation
Catalog
Search the library's catalog for Robert E Lee
Databases
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