Robert E. Lee was born January 19, 1807 at "Stratford" in Westmoreland County. Continuing in the military tradition of his father, Lee entered West Point in 1825 and graduated second in his class in 1829. Serving various military duties in Georgia, Virginia, New York, Texas, and Mexico over the next 23 years, Lee's reputation increased in recognition and respectability, and in 1852 he was named superintendant of West Point. From February of 1860 until February of 1861, Lee commanded the Department of Texas -- the largest number of troops he had ever commanded. It was during this time that the secession movment began, and Lee had to evaluate his position as a Whig devoted to the Union and as a Virginian. At this point, he did not agree with the political and economic arguments for Southern independence. Though, unfortunate as the choice was, if pressed to choose between fighting for Virginia or for the Union, Lee realized the decision would be simple. Lee's loyalities proved to be on the side of the South because of his family tradition in and association with the state of Virginia.
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