Robert E. Lee By Aust77 Jan 19, 1807 Robert E. lee is born Jan 1, 1829 Lee graduates 2nd in his class Jan 1, 1846 Mexican war starts Apr 12, 1861 Lee leaves U.S. army Jan 1, 1865 Lee is made general-in-chief of Confederate Forces. Oct 12, 1870 Lee dies at 63 of a stroke