Robert E. Lee: Confederate Hero and American Icon

He is celebrated by statues in countless cities and towns in the south. He is known for his excellent command of the Confederate States during the Civil War. His name is Robert E. Lee. He is known for commanding the Confederate Army of the American Civil War. Robert is an
American hero, and arguably the best general in American history. His accomplishments in war, make him one the most famous american heros.
Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807 in Stratford Hall, Virginia. He died in 1870. His dad, Henry, was a hero during the American Revolutionary. He earned the nickname Light Horse Larry. His mom was born from a wealthy family, but Henry made so business mistakes and lost all the families money. His father ended up leaving to the

West Indies, and he never returned. Since his family didn’t have much money, Robert saw the military as a great way to get a free education and to have a career. Robert went to West Point Military Academy and was one of the top graduates of his class. He eventually joined the Army Corps of Engineers where he would build forts and bridges for the army. Robert married a famous women named Mary Custis. Mary came from a famous family. She was the great granddaughter of Martha Washington, George Washington’s wife. Robert was well known for the Civil War, but he was also in the Mexican American War. General Winfield Scott said Robert was one of the best soldiers he had ever had. Robert was promoted to Colonel for his efforts during the war and made himself as a military leader. A man named John Brown led a raid at Harpers Ferry. He was protesting slavery in the South. Robert was in charge to stop John Brown and his men. Robert succeeded once again, and proving that he was a good leader.
When the Civil War began in 1861, he was offered to command the Union army.

He was offered by President Lincoln. Robert declined, and he wanted to help his state of Virginia. Robert didn’t agree with slavery, just like the northerners, but he didn’t want to fight against his home state. He eventually left the United States Army, and he became the General of the Confederate Army of Virginia. Robert was in charge of many of the important battles that happened on the east. Robert chose the famous Stonewall Jackson and Jeb Stuart. Robert and his men were outnumbered almost every battle, but he and his skilled men managed to win the battles. Robert picked up the nickname Grey Fox. Robert was dominating in war. The North Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William Sherman had some crazy ideas that suceded. Sherman marched through the South burning down cities like Atlanta. Robert knew the South was falling. Robert commanded very famous battles: the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of Cold Harbor, and the Battle of Appomattox. Robert and his men surrendered during the Battle of Appomattox to General Ulysses S. Grant. After the war, Robert could have been hung as a traitor to the United States, but he was forgiven by President Lincoln. He became the president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. In 1870 he died of a stroke.
Robert E. Lee was one of the greatest generals in United States History. His great accomplishments during the Mexican and American War along with the Civil War makes him one of the greatest. He was a great leader and a great man. He wished for the country to have peace and to heal. He wasn't referred as the enemy during the war, but as someone supporting his

state.