[3][4] The nature of Native American habitation of the land eventually comprising Lee County is not well known.

[5] In the 1850s, the state's first commercial coal mine opened in the community of Egypt.

[5][6] During the American Civil War, the area supplied coal and iron to the forces of the Confederate States of America.

[12][13] Lee County's population and economy steadily grew after its creation, fueled by the success of tobacco, furniture, quarrying, brickmaking, and textile industries.

23.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Lee is a typical "Solid South" county in terms of voting patterns.

In 1968, Lee's Democratic streak was broken when its electorate chose the American Independent candidate George Wallace.

[23] Lee County is a member of the regional Triangle J Council of Governments.

The Commissioners enact policies such as establishment of the property tax rate, regulation of land use and zoning outside municipal jurisdictions, and adoption of the annual budget.

[25] The commissioners also appoint a county attorney to advise the board on legal matters.