Why was Jefferson Davis's choice historic?

As president of the Confederate States of America throughout its existence during the American Civil War (1861–65), Jefferson Davis presided over the South's creation of its own armed forces and acquisition of weapons. Davis chose Robert E. Lee as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia in June 1862.

As president of the Confederate States of America throughout its existence during the American Civil War (1861–65), Jefferson Davis presided over the South's creation of its own armed forces and acquisition of weapons. Davis chose Robert E. Lee as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia in June.