The Lee family of the United States is a historically significant Virginia and Maryland political family, whose many prominent members are known for their accomplishments in politics and the military. The family became prominent in colonial British America when Richard Lee I immigrated to Colonial Virginia in 1639 and made his fortune in tobacco.
Colonel Richard Lee "the Founder" of the family in North America
Thomas Lee (1690–1750), Virginia colonist and cofounder of the Ohio Company.
Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794) was a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence and served as the president of the Continental Congress.
General Henry Lee III, "Light Horse Harry," also served as Governor of Virginia, and was the father of Robert E. Lee. (portrait by William Edward West)
Richard Lee I was the first member of the Lee family to live in America.
Richard Lee I