Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee

Robert Edward Lee
“The Idol of the South”

By:
Derek Spreier
11:00



Robert Edward Lee “The Idol of the South”

Robert Edward Lee, was born at the family home of Stratford, Virginia, in Westmoreland County on January 19, 1807.   Robert was the fourth child to Henry Lee and Ann Hill Carter Lee.   His father was known as “Light Horse Harry” for being a Revolutionary War hero.   However, in 1818, his father died a compulsive gambler, who blew away most of the family’s money in land speculation.   When Robert was little, he was in poverty mostly by his mother in Alexadria, Virginia where he spent most of his youth.   From his mother he learned patience, control, and discipline.   When Robert was young he was heavily exposed to Christianity and accepted its faith.   Unlike his mothers strong example on Robert’s life he watched his father go from business to failed business.   Robert was pushed in his life to try harder and to succeed so that he wouldn’t turn out like his father.  

Lee furthered his studies at West Point in 1825.   He was a great student and graduated second in his class of over sixty.   Something that was greater than his academic success was his perfect record of no demerits, which still to this day has yet to be equaled.   He graduated in 1829, and was picked to enter in the Corps of Engineers that same year.   Among his time as Lt. Lee he worked on many projects including help build the St. Louis waterfront and also worked on coastal forts in Brunswick and Savannah.   In addition to his time spent as an engineer he married Mary Ann Randolph Custis in 1831.   She was the granddaughter of George Washington and Martha Custis Washington.   In the year of 1838 Robert E. Lee he was appointed to Captain.   Lee had always been a good soldier but his military excellence didn’t occur until the Mexican War.   In the 1845 during the Mexican War General Winfield Scott, the overall commander of the U.S. Army added him to his staff.   Lee’s duties were to map...