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CLASS OF 1829
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Two years after West Point, Lee married the
wealthy Mary Ann Randolph Custis, Martha Washington’s
granddaughter. She and the couple’s seven
children remained at Arlington, the Custis
mansion, as Lee pursued a distinguished career.
Lee proved himself an able combat leader in
the Mexican War, three times winning recognition
for bravery and initiative. Acknowledged one
of the army’s best officers, he was offered
command of the Union Army in 1861. After much
soul-searching, he declined. Although opposed
to secession, he followed his home state into
rebellion.
Lee took command of the Army of Northern Virginia in 1862, winning remarkable victories against often superior Union
forces until his defeat at Gettysburg. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox in 1865 ended the war, though other
Confederate armies remained in the field.
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