What happened to Robert E. Lee after the War?

Answer 1

Having rejected calls for a guerilla or partisan war, Lee returned home after the surrender. The Lee family owned several homes there were inherited from George Washington Custis, Lee's father-in-law. However, these homes were all destroyed or taken (unlawfully, the Supreme Court would later find) by the Federal government. Their main home, in Arlington, was used during the war as a cemetery. It became Arlington National Cemetery. You can still visit the Lee home to this day, and it overlooks Washington and the National grave sites.

So after he returned from Appomattox, Lee moved in with his sickly wife and unwed daughters to a small home in Richmond. He was repeatedly offered money in exchange for using his name (for life insurance companies and other business ventures), but he declined out of honor, saying it would not be right to get paid for doing no work. The family did not have much money, as most of their belongings were stolen during the war by Federal solders. In fact, Lee's only suits to wear were his old uniforms, but he had his daughters remove all the insignia to avoid being accused of trying to act as an active Confederate. Most post-war photos you see of Lee are in these grey suits.

Lee took several trips south for the benefit of his wife to visit warm springs that would help her arthritis. Interestingly, on one of these trips, while passing through Augusta, GA, the future president, Woodrow Wilson, met Lee. Lee eventually was offered the presidency of a small college in Western Virginia, Washington College. Lee, in fact, was related to George Washington through marriage - Mary, Lee's wife, was Martha Washington's great granddaughter. It was beginning to get students home from the war, and it needed a new president. Lee, having been superintendent at West Point earlier in his life, felt this was a good fit, and he moved his family to Lexington, VA.

The college provide Lee with a president's home, and he began to focus on rebuilding the school, raising money for much needed buildings and a chapel, and instilling discipline in the college. Lee served with honor and distinction while here. He took a few trips, including one to Washington, DC where he met with U.S. Grant in the White House. It was even suggested by a New York newspaper that Lee be nominated for President of the United States. Lee had filed for his citizenship after taking an oath of loyalty to the Union, but it was "misfiled" and never acted upon until discovered in 1970 and approved by Congress.

Lee suffered a blood clot to the brain in October 1870, and he died in his home on the campus of the college on Oct. 12. His last words were recorded as "Tell (A.P.) Hill - He MUST come up!" and later, "Strike the tent!" Lee was later honored by all Americans and seen as the ultimate gentleman, husband, public servant and soldier. The college was renamed Washington & Lee University, and Lee is buried there (along with Traveller, his horse) in the chapel which was renamed the Lee Chapel.

The authoritative book on the subject is Charles Flood's LEE: THE LAST YEARS.

Answer 2

Robert Edward Lee returned to Richmond as a paroled prisoner of war, and submitted with the utmost composure to an altered destiny. He devoted the rest of his life to setting an example of conduct for other thousands of ex-Confederates. He refused a number of offers which would have secured substantial means for his family. Instead, he assumed the presidency of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia, and his reputation revitalized the school after the war. Lee's enormous wartime prestige, both in the North and South, and the devotion inspired by his unconscious symbolism of the "Lost Cause" made his a legendary figure even before his death. He died on October 12 1870, of heart disease which had plagued him since the spring of 1863, at Lexington, Va. and is buried there. Somehow, his application for restoration of citizenship was mislaid, and it was not until the 1970's that it was found and granted.

CREDIT AND SOURCE
http://www.civilwarhome.com/leebio.htm

Answer 3

Arlington House which now sits in the Arlington National Cemetary was never owned by Robert E Lee.

George Washington Parke Custis had the house built as a living memorial to his grandfather, George Washington. He lived their the rest of his life, until 1857.

Under the terms of her father's will, Mary Anna Custis Lee was given the right to inhabit and control the house for the rest of her life. Custis' will also stipulated that upon Mary Anna's death, full title would pass to her eldest son, George Washington Custis Lee. Contrary to popular belief, Robert E. Lee never owned the Arlington estate.

George Washington Custis Lee filed suit and won against the US Govt for taking his property and they paid him the value of the estate.

Lee was indicted for treason in several states and his case was finally thrown out when USSC Chief Justice Chase ruled that the 14th amendment barred further punishment of the confederates.

Lee lived out the remainder of his life as President of Washington College in Lexington, VA and is credited with having established the first university programs in the fields of commerce and journalism.

whale

Answer 4

Robert E Lee put down his gun and took up the rod. He became President of Washinton College and devoted the rest of his life to keeping education alive in his native state.

http://www.civilwarhome.com/leebio.htm
""Lee returned to Richmond as a paroled prisoner of war, and submitted with the utmost composure to an altered destiny. He devoted the rest of his life to setting an example of conduct for other thousands of ex-Confederates. He refused a number of offers which would have secured substantial means for his family. Instead, he assumed the presidency of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia, and his reputation revitalized the school after the war. Lee's enormous wartime prestige, both in the North and South, and the devotion inspired by his unconscious symbolism of the "Lost Cause" made his a legendary figure even before his death. He died on October 12 1870, of heart disease which had plagued him since the spring of 1863, at Lexington, Va. and is buried there. Somehow, his application for restoration of citizenship was mislaid, and it was not until the 1970's that it was found and granted.
Source: "Who Was Who In The Civil War" by Stewart Sifakis ""

Peace...

Answer 5

I found it sad that he couldn't return to his original home in Arlington. During the war, the Union took it over as a base and it was later turned into Arlington National Cemetary.

Answer 6

He surrendered & went into retirement. I believe he suffered from a bipolar condition.