Robert E. Lee

Robert Edward Lee began his life on January 19, 1807 in Stratford in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the son of Revolutionary War hero, "Light Horse" Harry Lee. By the time Lee was two years old, his father was imprisoned for debts. He was later released from jail and ended up leaving his family when Lee was six years old. He sailed off and never returned. His mother, Ann Carter Lee, was a very religious woman and she instilled this and her gentle manners in her children. When Lee was about 12 years old, his mother's failing health forced him to become caretaker and the "man of the house" in many respects(Biography: Robert E. Lee). In 1825, Lee entered West Point. He graduated second in his class in 1829. During his four years at the military academy, he did not earn a single demerit and he also served as adjutant of the Cadet Corps. In June 1831, Lee married Mary Ann Randolph Custis. They made their home near Washington, D.C. They had seven children. This was the beginning of th...