Richard Henry Lee
Richard Henry Lee, who moved the resolution for American independence in 1776, was born at Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
- Profession
- Statesman
- From
- Westmoreland County, Virginia
- Born
- January 20, 1732
- Years active
- 1758–1794
Early life
Born in 1732 into the prominent Lee family of Virginia, he was educated in England before returning to public life.
Career
In the Continental Congress he introduced the June 1776 "Lee Resolution" calling for independence, and he later signed the Declaration and served as a U.S. senator.
Major achievements
His resolution set the Declaration of Independence in motion and he became the second president of the Continental Congress.
Legacy
Lee is remembered as the man whose motion formally launched American independence.
References
Related personalities
Carter Glass
Politician
Carter Glass, a U.S. senator and architect of the Federal Reserve, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Eric Cantor
Politician
Eric Cantor of Richmond served as U.S. House Majority Leader, the highest congressional post held by a Jewish American.
George Mason
Politician
George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, was a Founding Father born in Fairfax County, Virginia.
George Washington
Politician · Military
George Washington was the first President of the United States and commander of the Continental Army, born in Westmoreland County, Virginia.