Fort Lee's Historic Rename: Honoring Medal of Honor Hero Fitz Lee!

Fort Lee, Virginia, USA - The recent rename of Fort Gregg-Adams back to Fort Lee honors Private Fitz Lee, a Medal of Honor recipient with significant ties to Dinwiddie County. The Department of Defense finalized the redesignation, which became effective on June 11, 2025, following the order signed by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. This move concludes a chapter that began with the previous naming after Confederate General Robert E. Lee, which has recently garnered criticism amid ongoing conversations about the legacy of the Confederacy.

Private Fitz Lee was born in Dinwiddie County, and notably, his life significantly differs from Robert E. Lee’s. While Robert E. Lee was a colonel before becoming a Confederate general, Fitz Lee never progressed beyond the rank of private. It’s important to note that Fitz Lee has no family connection to Robert E. Lee, a distinction that aligns with Section 1749 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020. This decision highlights the ongoing effort to address historical narratives tied to military installations across the country.

Fitz Lee’s Legacy

Fitz Lee served in the Tenth Cavalry Regiment, known for being one of the Buffalo Soldier regiments, which were all-Black units established post-Civil War. His bravery during the Spanish-American War earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor, awarded while he was hospitalized. He died on September 14, 1899, and received military honors during his burial at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.

This designation brings Fitz Lee to the forefront as part of a larger mission to recognize Black soldiers who made significant contributions to U.S. military history. Currently, 97 of the 3,525 Medals of Honor awarded have gone to African Americans, as highlighted by Wikipedia. Fitz Lee stands among 30 recipients from the Buffalo Soldiers, indicating a proud but often overlooked heritage.

A Celebration of Trailblazers

The renaming ceremony not only honored Fitz Lee but also the achievements of Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, two trailblazers in U.S. military history. Gregg, the first Black quartermaster officer to achieve a three-star rank, and Adams, the leader of the only unit of predominantly Black women in the European Theater during WWII, symbolize the ongoing effort to recognize the contributions of African Americans in the military, as reported by ABC News.

As we reflect on these namesakes, it’s clear that the legacies of Fitz Lee, Arthur Gregg, and Charity Adams inspire not just the military community but also resonate with all who value the principles of courage, resilience, and advocacy for equality. The commitment to refining the Army’s narrative and making history more inclusive marks an important step forward as Fort Lee prepares to launch a comprehensive educational campaign about Fitz Lee and the contributions of Black soldiers throughout American history.

In closing, the shift from Fort Gregg-Adams to Fort Lee symbolizes both a recognition of our past and an aspiration toward a more inclusive future. As the signage changes and educational initiatives unfold, one thing remains clear: there’s something to be said for honoring those who have heroically paved the way for others.