Robert E. Lee was a prominent general during the American Civil War, known for his leadership of the Confederate Army. Born in 1807 in Virginia, he was a skilled military strategist and played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg. Despite his military successes, Lee's legacy is complex due to his support for the Confederacy, which fought to maintain slavery. After the war, Lee became a symbol of reconciliation and worked to promote healing between the North and South. He served as the president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, where he focused on education and unity, leaving a lasting impact on the region.