Col. Thomas Lee (c. 1690–November 14, 1750) is a leading political figure of colonial Virginia.
He is a member of the Lee family, a political dynasty that includes many figures from the pre-American Revolutionary War era until the late twentieth century.
Lee becomes involved in politics in 1710 and he becomes the resident manager of the Northern Neck Proprietary for Lady Catherine Fairfax.
After his father dies, he inherits land in Northumberland and Charles County.
Lee later acquires vast holdings in what are now Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties.
These properties are developed as tobacco plantations.
When Lee marries Hannah Harrison Ludwell in 1722, he benefits by the connections of the already established Harrison family.
A year later he becomes a member of the House of Burgesses.
After Lee's home is burnt down by criminals, he loses almost all of his possessions and a fair sum of money.
With donations received from Caroline of Ansbach and English Commissioners, he builds his new home on the Potomac River, naming it Stratford Hall.
Four years later in 1733, he is appointed to the Governor's Council, upper house of the General Assembly.
In 1747, he founds the Ohio Company of Virginia with fellow Virginian colonists who wish to expand Virginia's territory into the Ohio River Valley.
For a period of less than a year, in 1749, he becomes the de facto Governor of Virginia in place of the absent William Gooch.
Lee is favored for an appointment as governor by George II but the colonist dies in 1750.
