Here are some more honors that reinforce the respect that the United States has always shown General Lee. If it still puzzles you, then taking a look at some pre 1980 textbooks and history books should explain it.
“Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, also known as the Custis-Lee Mansion and located in present-day Arlington National Cemetery, is maintained by the National Park Service as a memorial to Lee.”
“The USS Robert E. Lee, a George Washington class ballistic missile submarine built in 1958, was named for Lee.”
“In 1900, Lee was one of the first 29 individuals selected for the Hall of Fame for Great Americans (the first Hall of Fame in the United States), designed by Stanford White, on the Bronx, New York, campus of New York University, now a part of Bronx Community College.”
“On September 21, 1955, the United States Postal Service released a 30¢ Liberty Issue postage stamp honoring Lee.”
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, also known as the Custis-Lee Mansion and located in present-day Arlington National Cemetery, is maintained by the National Park Service as a memorial to Lee.
The history of that cemetery wasn't exactly started as a memorial to Lee. In fact, it was started to make sure he wouldn't return to live there. I'm glad the house is now kept and funded. It's a part of history, and I'm not of the opinion that we should wipe the slate of all historical references. And I'll go one step more and say that it's a beautiful house.
I recommend this book for anyone who wants a look at Lee's character and a balanced feel for the times.