In 1861, a future legend resigned his commission to join the Confederacy
Faced with a choice between his country and his home state, Robert E. Lee resigned from the United States Army in 1861, a decision that altered the course of American history.
On April 20, 1861, Robert E. Lee sat in his home at Arlington House and drafted a letter that would change America forever. Despite being offered command of the Union's field forces, Lee chose to resign his commission.
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