Robert E. Lee's Birthday is a commemorative day honoring General Robert E. Lee (1807–1870), a Confederate general during the American Civil War. This day recognizes Lee's leadership, military skill, and post-war contributions.

Table of Contents

1. When is Robert E. Lee's Birthday?
2. The History of Robert E. Lee's Birthday?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Robert E. Lee (1807–1870)

When is Robert E. Lee's Birthday?

Robert E. Lee's actual birthday is January 19, 1807, and his birthday is officially commemorated on or near this date. In the states of Alabama and Mississippi, Robert E. Lee's Birthday is celebrated on the third Monday in January, the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The following is the list of Robert E. Lee's Birthday.

The History of Robert E. Lee's Birthday?

The observance of Robert E. Lee's Birthday has its roots in post-Civil War efforts to honor Confederate leaders and preserve Southern identity. Over time, this commemoration became a state-recognized holiday in some Southern states, though its observance has declined due to its association with the Confederacy and slavery.

Robert E. Lee was the leading general of the Confederate Army, and became a symbol of Southern pride and the "Lost Cause" narrative after his death in 1870.

States in the former Confederacy began formally recognizing Robert E. Lee's Birthday as a state holiday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Virginia led the way in 1889, creating Lee-Jackson Day to honor both Robert E. Lee and Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Other Southern states, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas, followed suit, establishing holidays in Lee's honor.

The Civil Rights Movement brought increased scrutiny to Confederate commemorations, including Lee's Birthday, due to their association with slavery and racial inequality.

Many states have stopped officially recognizing Robert E. Lee's Birthday as a state holiday, including Virginia (which ended Lee-Jackson Day in 2020).

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Robert E. Lee's Birthday, people in states or communities that still observe the day engage in a variety of activities to honor his legacy as a Confederate general and post-war educator.

Communities hold events at Confederate cemeteries, monuments, or parks named after Robert E. Lee.

Speeches and readings highlight Lee's life, his military career, and his post-war role as president of Washington College.

Lectures or discussions about Lee's role in the Civil War and his contributions after the war are held by historical societies.

In areas where the holiday is no longer officially recognized, observances are often private and involve family or community gatherings.

Many states no longer officially recognize Robert E. Lee's Birthday due to growing awareness of its association with the Confederacy and slavery. Although it is still observed as a state holiday in Alabama and Mississippi, public events have become increasingly rare, and participation is often limited to specific heritage groups.

Robert E. Lee (1807–1870)

Robert E. Lee (1807–1870) was an American military officer best known for serving as the general-in-chief of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War (1861–1865). A controversial figure in American history, Lee is celebrated by some for his military skill and leadership, but criticized by others for his role in defending the Confederacy and its connection to slavery.

He was born on January 19, 1807, in Stratford Hall, Virginia, into a prominent family. After he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1829 without a single demerit, he served in various military posts, including as superintendent of West Point from 1852 to 1855.

In 1859, he led the forces that suppressed John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry, a key event leading to the Civil War.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Lee was offered command of the Union Army by President Lincoln. However, Lee resigned from the U.S. Army in April 1861, stating his loyalty to Virginia after it seceded, despite opposing secession personally.

Lee ultimately surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.

After the war, Lee became a symbol of reconciliation for many, urging Southerners to accept defeat and rejoin the Union. Lee served as president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) from 1865 until his death. Robert E. Lee died on October 12, 1870, in Lexington, Virginia, following a stroke.