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Robert E. Lee: Early Life Trivia Quiz

Robert E. Lee, one of the greatest Americans of all time, was at the mercy of circumstances that he had no control over.

A multiple-choice quiz by Cleburne. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
Cleburne

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
277,478

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
671

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Many feel that Robert was an aristocrat. True, he was from aristocratic stock, but most of his life he was destitute by the standards of the time . What was his mother's name? Hint

Mary Randolph Wythe Lee

Anne Hill Carter Lee

Anna Augustina Wise Lee

Mary Carter Henry Lee

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Question 2 of 10

2. Lee was born in the stately Stafford Hall plantation in Westmoreland County. His father, a favorite of George Washington, Henry " Light-Horse Harry" Lee left the family in bankruptcy by incurring debts. The one-time Governor blew his fortune, moved to the West Indies to try and regain his fortune, and subsequently died there when Robert was only 9. Where did the family live when they were driven from their ancestral home? Hint

Alexandria

Arlington Heights

White House Plantation

Washington

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Question 3 of 10

3. Robert E. Lee, the youngest son, was left at home to care for his invalid mother.

True

False

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Question 4 of 10

4. Lee had many opportunities for higher education.

True

False

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Question 5 of 10

5. By the time Lee graduated from West Point, everyone who knew him liked him despite his perfectionism and peculiar ways. What had his mother taught him that made him become the man he was? Hint

All of these

Self sacrifice

Self reliance

Christianity

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Question 6 of 10

6. Lee's record at West Point (2nd in Class) gave him the opportunity to join the Corps of Engineers. He was sent south to improve forts, eventually giving him the needed experience for his positions in the Mexican War and the War for Southern Independence. Where was he NOT stationed as an engineer? Hint

Jacksonville

Savannah

New York

Wilmington

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Question 7 of 10

7. Lee owned many slaves on his plantation at Arlington.

True

False

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Question 8 of 10

8. Lee's last position in the U.S. Army was Colonel of Engineers.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. How many children did Lee have with Mary? Hint

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Question 10 of 10

10. Which child died at age 23 in 1862, while on holiday in North Carolina, breaking Lee's heart? Hint

Robert

Agnes

Annie

Mildred

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Many feel that Robert was an aristocrat. True, he was from aristocratic stock, but most of his life he was destitute by the standards of the time . What was his mother's name?

Answer: Anne Hill Carter Lee

She was a daughter of "King" Carter one of the wealthiest planters in Virginia. Her mother was from the well-to-do hill clan.

Answer: Alexandria

The large family moved into a small house in Alexandria where they attended local schools and lived a frugal life.

3. Robert E. Lee, the youngest son, was left at home to care for his invalid mother.

Answer: True

An omen of things to come! His mother was an invalid with arthritis as was his future wife, Mary Custis.

4. Lee had many opportunities for higher education.

Answer: False

Due to financial circumstances, West Point was his only avenue of obtaining higher education and a subsequent profession. With his family connections, he had no problem getting the endorsements needed.

5. By the time Lee graduated from West Point, everyone who knew him liked him despite his perfectionism and peculiar ways. What had his mother taught him that made him become the man he was?

Answer: All of these

His mother read the Bible to him daily and taught him self-control, one of the things his father was lacking.

Answer: Wilmington

He improved fortifications all along the East Coast from Jacksonville, Florida to New York City. He improved the waterways and levees of the Mississippi River at New Orleans and St. Louis. He also engineered fortifications for Washington, D.C. and Fortress Monroe, two places that would come to haunt the Confederacy.

7. Lee owned many slaves on his plantation at Arlington.

Answer: False

Lee inherited Arlington when his father-in-law died. The will stipulated that all the slaves were to be set free. After Lee received the estate which was debt-ridden as a result of the activities of its former master, he diligently restored the grounds, paid the debts off, and freed the slaves.

He even made sure the slaves were gainfully employed and housed well. He often wrote to them for the remainder of his life to keep track of how well they were doing. Rather than being the receiver of the inheritance, he was actually the executor of the wishes of his father-in-law.

8. Lee's last position in the U.S. Army was Colonel of Engineers.

Answer: False

Following his stint as Superintendent of West Point from 1852-1855, he was promoted to Colonel of the 2nd U.S.Cavalry stationed in Texas by Winfield Scott. He held this post until his resignation from the U.S. Army in 1861.

9. How many children did Lee have with Mary?

Answer: 7

4 girls and 3 boys. All survived to adulthood.George Washington Custis Lee, Mary Custis Lee, William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, Ann Carter Lee, Eleanor Agnes Lee,
Robert Edward lee, Jr., & Mildred Childe Lee.

10. Which child died at age 23 in 1862, while on holiday in North Carolina, breaking Lee's heart?

Answer: Annie

All three sons served with the Confederacy and survived. His precious Annie whom he called 'Life" because of her personality severely depressed the entire family after her death. The sons all married. The remaining daughters did not.

Source: Author Cleburne

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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