General Robert E. Lee

General Robert E. Lee. . , "Duty is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.", Born January 19, 1807 at Stratford Hall, Westmoreland County, Virginia. , Son of Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee and Anne Carter Lee., 1825-1830 attended United States Military Academy at West Point. , Graduated second in his class with the distinction of being the only cadet to never receive a demerit., June 30, 1831 married Mary Custis and resided at Arlington House, Virginia., 1846-1848 served in the United States Army during the Mexican War. , Afterwards, was referred to as "The very best soldier I ever saw in the field," by Gen. Winfield Scott., September 1, 1852 - March 31, 1855 served as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy., April 1, 1855 promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the Second United States Cavalry., In 1861 offered command of all United States troops, but declined saying. I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children.", June 1, 1862 given command of the Confederate forces he would name The Army of Northern Virginia., January 31, 1865 appointed General-in-Chief of the Confederate Army., April 12, 1865 surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia., October 2, 1865 named President of Washington College (Later Washington and Lee) Lexington, Virginia., October 12, 1870 died in Lexington, Virginia at age sixty-three., 1907 Lee County, North Carolina formed. Named in honor and memory of General Robert E. Lee., "I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our conscience and posterity."