Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807, in Stratford in Westmoreland county. He became the fourth child born to Ann Lee, and Colonel Harry. His mother, Ann Lee, came from one of the wealthiest families at the time in Virginia and his father better known as “light-horse Harry” served as Virginia's governor. Continuing in his father's footsteps Lee joined the military graduating in 1829 at the rank of second in his class. After graduation Lee became appointed second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers taking his first assignment in Cockspur Island, Georgia.
Over the next twenty three years Lee would serve in Virginia, Georgia, Texas, New York, and Mexico. In the spring of 1830 Lee began courting his future wife Mary Curtis who …show more content…
oNce home he continues in the army rising to the top until 1852, because of his respectability, he was named superintendent of his military school, West Point. In 1853 at the age of 46 Lee is confirmed at Christ Church after having a spiritual awakening. 1855 took Lee to Texas where he take the role of Lieutenant Colonel.

From 1860 to 1861 Lee controlled and commanded the department of Texas, the biggest group he had commanded at the time. At this time the succession had already began and Lee considered his position as a wig committed to both Virginia and the Union. Robert E. Lee did not necessarily agree with the South’s terms but felt his loyalty fell there because of his family ties. He decides to leave the Union and goes to Confederacy to fight.
May 31, 1862 General Joseph E. Johnson is shot in war and Lee is chosen to replace him and take command of the South’s biggest field army, also known as the army of Virginia. On June the 5th the Seven Days Battle begins as Lee’s first encounter of the North and the General McClellan. Lee manages to successfully push them back towards Washington. In a matter of months Robert E. Lee is able to push back McClellan’s troops and turn the war to the Confederacy’s