Profile of the Day: Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee

On this day in 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively bringing an end to the American Civil War.

Lee served as Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s senior military adviser during the first year of the Civl War. Once he took command of the main field army, the Army of Northern Virginia, Lee led the Confederate forces to many early victories on the battlefield. However, his defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg would prove to be a severe blow to the Confederate army.

By 1865, Union General Ulysses S. Grant had Lee’s army in retreat. Trapped, out-numbered, and short on food and supplies, Lee finally surrendered to Union forces. On April 9, 1865, Lee met with Grant at the home of Wilmer McLean in the village of Appomattox Court House to officially sign documents of surrender.

Explore Robert E. Lee’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related to the Confederate General.
 

View Robert E. Lee’s Geni Profile

Image: Library of Congress