Robert E. Lee remains one of the most revered figures in U.S. history, particularly in the South where his birthday remains a holiday in certain places. While Lee never set foot in York, some of his subordinate officers later claimed he planned to fight the decisive battle of the summer campaign here, concentrating his army in and around York. Indeed, he was on his way to York when plans changed late on June 28, 1863, and he instead assembled his forces to the west to meet an unexpected Union threat.
Complete and up-to-date schedule for the meetings of the York Civil War Round Table
Old Granny. The King of Spades. Bobby Lee. Marse Robert. The succession of Robert E. Lee's nicknames traces his progression in the Civil War from a relatively old former U.S. Cavalry officer to the man in charge of digging earthworks to protect such out-of-the-way places as Honey Hill, South Carolina, then to the beloved leader of the Army of Northern Virginia, and finally to one of the most legendary figures in American military history. Shrouded in myth and legend, viewed by many through rose-colored glasses, and idolized by scores of followers who waged a campaign during Reconstruction to cement his place in history, Robert E. Lee has come down to today's generation as a symbol of the Confederacy and the "Lost Cause."
Come to the York County Heritage Trust this Wednesday evening, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. to hear a long-time scholar of the Lee family, Ken Miller, present a talk on "The Personal Side of Robert E. Lee." Admission is free, as is parking. YCHT is at 250 E. Market Street in York, just a few blocks east of Centre Square. This is one of a continuing series of talks presented by the York CWRT in cooperation with YCHT.
