Robert E. Lee By PumpkinSpiceTeamSingle Jan 19, 1807 Robert E. Lee was born. Oct 28, 1811 His father died and it increased responsibility upon him Dec 4, 1829 Lee graduated number two in his class from the U.S. Military Academy in 1829 Jun 19, 1860 He became the leader of the Department of Texas. Mar 5, 1861 Lee accepted a commission as colonel of the 1st U.S. Cavalry. May 4, 1863 Lee's extraordinary generaling won the South the battle of Chancellorsville. Jul 6, 1863 Robert E. Lee commands his army in the Battle of Gettysburg. Apr 9, 1865 Robert E. Lee and his Confederate Army surrender to Ulysses S. Grant and the Union Army. Oct 12, 1870 Robert E. Lee dies He died of an acute attack of angina.