Fitzhugh Lee was not only a well-known Virginian civil war hero, but a politician as well. He made great strides in the military field despite being under immense pressure and scrutiny by his family and those close around him. He was expected to be close to par with his uncle and father, and even if his skill exceeded them he would never be known for it. He was the nephew of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. He was one of the youngest military leaders to be promoted as fast as he was. He had the knowledge and drive to push himself further than most in the Calvary.
Born on November 19th 1835, in Fairfax County, Virginia into a 4th generation military family. This might have put a little bit of pressure on what type of career he would soon look into. His dad was Sydney Smith Lee who was a captain in the confederate Navy. His father also began his military career at a very young age of seventeen and was able to move up and be promoted quickly and easily with the determination and focus in the naval area. The day Virginia seceded from the Union, Sydney tried to resign from the Navy but this was not accepted and he later commanded the Confederate Navy instead. Lee attended the United Sates Military Academy at West Point, and later graduated in 1856. He graduated forty-fifth in his class. His uncle, General Robert E. Lee was the Superintendent of the school but had trouble with Fitzhugh during his early years at the academy. He received multiple citations for going against the code of cadet conduct and was almost expelled from the academy but managed to graduate. He had in-depth skill and knowledge of what was needed for the military occupation. But for Lee he was still under the shadow of the rest of his family. He commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Cavalry Regiment. He fought in multiple small altercations and battle before making his first appearance in the Indian Wars. One major setback in his military …show more content…
Soon after getting board of the small life at home he decided to dive into something else. He then served as politician post war. He was a member of the board of visitors of West Point beginning in 1885, which helped him secure his running of governor of Virginia. The board deals with such matters as physicality, morale and disciplinary standards as well as anything in everyday business needing to be attended to. This was a very big public image started for anyone that needed to be shown in a good light and even though his image was very much healthy and well, it helped to show him as a leader and decision maker. He was elected to the position from 1886-1890, with a small majority of the vote. Lee was later appointed consul-general at Havana by President Cleveland in April 1896. His duties included those of a diplomat but also military business.
Fitzhugh Lee retired from his military occupation as well as political figure in 1901. He died in Washington, D.C. on April 28th 1905. Lee is buried in the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. Coming from a family where he needed to make a great impression to be remembered, he surely did it. Fitzhugh Lee most notably known for his military accomplishments is also known as a hero with a passion to pursue that of the confederacy. Although in most of his battles he served as second in command, he still pursued the enemy and victory at all costs which set
Born on November 19th 1835, in Fairfax County, Virginia into a 4th generation military family. This might have put a little bit of pressure on what type of career he would soon look into. His dad was Sydney Smith Lee who was a captain in the confederate Navy. His father also began his military career at a very young age of seventeen and was able to move up and be promoted quickly and easily with the determination and focus in the naval area. The day Virginia seceded from the Union, Sydney tried to resign from the Navy but this was not accepted and he later commanded the Confederate Navy instead. Lee attended the United Sates Military Academy at West Point, and later graduated in 1856. He graduated forty-fifth in his class. His uncle, General Robert E. Lee was the Superintendent of the school but had trouble with Fitzhugh during his early years at the academy. He received multiple citations for going against the code of cadet conduct and was almost expelled from the academy but managed to graduate. He had in-depth skill and knowledge of what was needed for the military occupation. But for Lee he was still under the shadow of the rest of his family. He commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Cavalry Regiment. He fought in multiple small altercations and battle before making his first appearance in the Indian Wars. One major setback in his military …show more content…
Soon after getting board of the small life at home he decided to dive into something else. He then served as politician post war. He was a member of the board of visitors of West Point beginning in 1885, which helped him secure his running of governor of Virginia. The board deals with such matters as physicality, morale and disciplinary standards as well as anything in everyday business needing to be attended to. This was a very big public image started for anyone that needed to be shown in a good light and even though his image was very much healthy and well, it helped to show him as a leader and decision maker. He was elected to the position from 1886-1890, with a small majority of the vote. Lee was later appointed consul-general at Havana by President Cleveland in April 1896. His duties included those of a diplomat but also military business.
Fitzhugh Lee retired from his military occupation as well as political figure in 1901. He died in Washington, D.C. on April 28th 1905. Lee is buried in the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. Coming from a family where he needed to make a great impression to be remembered, he surely did it. Fitzhugh Lee most notably known for his military accomplishments is also known as a hero with a passion to pursue that of the confederacy. Although in most of his battles he served as second in command, he still pursued the enemy and victory at all costs which set