Robert E. Lee witnessed the Battle of Fort Sumter from a distance, as he was in the vicinity during the bombardment.

Robert E. Lee, a notable general of the Confederacy, observed the Battle of Fort Sumter from a distance while stationed in South Carolina. This significant event, which occurred on April 12, 1861, marked the onset of open conflict between the Union and the Confederacy and signaled the beginning of Lee's military engagement in the Civil War. His insights gained during the battle would later inform his military strategies in the years to come. This pivotal moment laid the groundwork for Lee's emergence as one of the most prominent figures in the Civil War, influencing the course of the conflict.