During his tour of duty on Old Point Comfort, Robert E. Lee supervised construction of the Fort Monroe’s counter scarp wall, designed buildings and wharves, managed accounts and laborers and coordinated work on Fort Calhoun’s foundation.  Lee came to Fort Monroe as an engineer with limited experience.  His work on the construction of Fort Monroe and Fort Calhoun gave him the wherewithal to manage any major construction project as well as laying the foundation for Lee’s development as a great leader.