Henry Lee III, known as "Light Horse Harry," lived from 1756 to 1818. From 1776 to 1781 he served as a cavalry commander, and in 1779 he was awarded a Congressional Medal. He was a member of the Continental Congress from 1786 to 1788, Governor of Virginia from 1791 to 1794, and a member of the U.S. Congress from 1799 to 1801. He was the father of General Robert E. Lee, C.S.A. Henry Lee III was born nearby at the Mansion House of "Leesylvania Plantation."