Happy Birthday, General Robert E. Lee

On January 19, 1807, Ann and Henry Lee welcomed their fifth child into the world: Robert Edward Lee. Young Robert was born into one of the most prestigious of Old Virginia families. Two of his uncles had signed the Declaration of Independence. His father, Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, had served as one of George Washington’s most trusted subordinates. Greatness, it would seem, flowed in his veins.

Lee went to the Military Academy at West Point. It was at that fine institution that Lee first came to be called “the marble man,” a name given to him by his fellow cadets in admiration of his impeccable character. He would graduate second in his class of 1829, without a single demerit to his name. Because of his high standing, Lee was given the opportunity to choose his branch of service, and he elected to serve in the elite Corps of Engineers.

Robert E. Lee, Narrator of today's post.