Robert E. Lee Day

Robert E. Lee Day is observed on the third Monday in January. This state holiday commemorates the birth of the American Civil War general who commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. In 2026, it falls on January 19. While primarily observed in specific Southern states, the holiday occurs on or near the general’s actual birth date of January 19, 1807.

History of Robert E. Lee Day

The establishment of a day to honor Robert E. Lee began in the late 19th century, shortly after his death in 1870. Virginia was the first state to designate his birthday as a legal holiday in 1889. The movement to memorialize Lee was part of a broader effort across the South to honor Confederate military figures. By the early 20th century, several other states, including Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, had added the date to their official calendars as a way to recognize Lee’s military leadership and his post-war role as the president of Washington College.

The timing of the holiday underwent significant changes with the introduction of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday in the 1980s. Because both anniversaries occur in mid-January, several states chose to combine the two observances into a single day. Over the last few decades, many states have moved to decouple the holidays or remove Lee’s name from the official state calendar entirely. For example, Arkansas separated the two holidays in 2017, and Virginia abolished its version of the holiday, formerly known as Lee-Jackson Day, in 2020.

Why is Robert E. Lee Day important?

This day is recognized by some as a period to reflect on the military history and tactical developments of the American Civil War. Lee is often cited by historians for his strategic maneuvers during major conflicts such as the Battle of Chancellorsville. For some residents in participating states, the holiday is viewed as a way to preserve regional history and acknowledge the complex lineage of the Southern United States. It provides an opportunity for genealogical and historical societies to focus on the preservation of records from the mid-19th century.

The continued observance of the day also prompts significant public discussion regarding the legacy of the Confederacy and the evolution of civil rights. Because it frequently coincides with the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., the day serves as a focal point for debates about how history is commemorated in public spaces. This tension has led to a shift in how the holiday is handled by state governments, with many transitioning from a paid state holiday to a day of limited observation. It remains a notable date for those studying the intersection of memory, heritage, and national identity.

• The holiday remains a paid state holiday for government employees in Alabama and Mississippi.
• Florida continues to list January 19 as a legal holiday, though it is not a paid day off for most.
• In Tennessee, the governor is legally required to proclaim the day as a special observation.
• The day honors Lee’s professional background as a top graduate and superintendent of West Point.
• It highlights the role of historical societies in maintaining Civil War monuments and archives.

How to Observe Robert E. Lee Day

Observation of this day often involves visits to historical sites associated with the Civil War. Museums and battlefields frequently host educational tours that detail the specifics of Confederate military campaigns and the life of Lee before and after the war. In some communities, memorial services are held at local landmarks, featuring wreath-laying ceremonies or period-accurate musket salutes. These events are generally organized by historical preservation groups and descendants’ organizations interested in 19th-century military traditions.

For those interested in the academic side of the holiday, reading biographies or primary source documents from the 1860s provides context for the general’s decisions. Many libraries and archives highlight collections related to the Army of Northern Virginia during this week. In states where the day is an official holiday, government offices and some local businesses may be closed, allowing residents time to participate in local heritage events. Public discussions and lectures on the causes and consequences of the Civil War are also common ways to engage with the historical significance of the date.

• Visit a Civil War museum or historical battlefield to learn about 19th-century tactics.
• Read a historical biography focused on the Reconstruction era following 1865.
• Attend a lecture or seminar regarding the preservation of Southern historical records.
• View archival maps of Virginia and the surrounding states from the mid-1800s.
• Observe a moment of reflection at a local veteran’s memorial or cemetery.

Robert E. Lee Day Dates Table