Robert E Lee biography

Robert E. Lee - His Life and Times

Every now and then history produces a man who's as much admired and beloved by his enemies as his friends. And sometimes the greatness of a man lies not in his victories, but in his heroism in defeat. Such a man was Robert E. Lee.

Lee is considered by many to be the most brilliant general of America's Civil War. But his military strategy, as inspired as it was, is not what he's remembered for. He is remembered instead for his character - a character that reflected all the finest qualities of both his American and his Southern heritage. Lee has become in many ways a symbol - a symbol of the refinement, the honor, and the loyalty that once defined the "Southern gentleman." He has become too a symbol of our country's ability to experience dissension, to overcome its bitterness, and emerge even stronger.

Lee was distinguished almost from the moment of his birth, on January 19, 1807 - for he came from the leading family of Virginia and one of the most respected and notable families in America. "I know of no country that can produce a family all distinguished as clever men, as our Lees," said George Washington. For over a hundred years the Lees had played a prominent role in British and American British history. They had been governors, councilors, and Burgesses; had served the king and also fought in the Revolution, and sat in the Continental Congress. They had been successful planters, soldiers, and statesmen. Not one, but two Lees signed the Declaration of Independence, right under the signature of John Hancock. The same room they were born in, was the room that Robert Edward Lee was born in on January 19, 1807.

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