Famous Virginians in History: Robert E. Lee

Today, January 19th, would mark the 207th birthday for Robert E. Lee. A terrific military leader, patriot, and scholar.  He was born at Stratford Hall in Westermoreland County, Virginia, on January 19th, 1807. Continuing in the military tradition of his father, Lee entered West Point in 1825 and graduated second in his class in 1829. He was an outstanding student and one of the top ranks of his class. When it came for the arguments for Southern Independence, Lee was not in favor of succession immediately, but he decided he could not take arms against his people and his homeland of Virginia. On April 18, 1861 Lee was offered field command of the United States Army. On the following day, he received word that Virginia had seceded from the Union; he submitted his letter of resignation from the United States Army on April 20. Three days later, Lee accepted the position of commander of Virginia forces.

His decision to defend Virginia was legendary, and since then, Lee  has become synonymous with the Confederate cause. In 1862, at age 55, he was assigned to lead the troops that would form "The Army of Northern Virginia". During the War, he worked very closely with Jeb Stuart and Jefferson Davis. On April 9th, 1865, Lee surrendered at Appamattox Court House, Virginia. He met with General Grant, and signed the necessary papers. Lee was loved on both sides during the War. His comrades affectionately called him "Ole Marse Lee" , or "Granny Lee". So charismatic was he in battle, one Northern woman exclaimed "I wish he were on our side".  After the war, Lee returned to Richmond, and later became president of then Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. He died September 28th, 1870, following apoplexy . The college was renamed "Washington and Lee". Robert E. Lee is the pristine example of the Southern Gentleman. He is the archetype  and the litmus test for which all things Southern Gentlemanly are measured. He was a devout Christian man who did not believe in slavery, but in the Southern cause for independence.  He loved his Virginia and his people. He was only human, not a Saint, as some people picture him to be . But all in all, he was just great.

Some Famous Robert E. Lee Quotes:
" I tremble for my country when I hear the confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness- that our only hope is in God"

"Get correct views in life and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and when summoned away to leave without regret"

:"It is well that war is so terrible, we should grow too fond of it"