Appomattox Court House National Historic Park

One week ago today, on Monday, we left Lynchburg, Virginia and headed a short distance to Appomattox. Dale and I were very excited to see the place where the Civil War came to an end. What an extraordinary opportunity!

Lee’s formal surrender to Grant on April 9, 1865, brought the war in Virginia to an end. While this event is considered the most significant surrender of the Civil War, several other Confederate commanders had to capitulate and negotiate paroles and amnesty for Southern combatants before President Andrew Johnson could officially proclaim an end to the Civil War. That formal declaration occurred sixteen months after Appomattox, on August 20, 1866.

Early on the morning of the surrender, approximately 9,000 Confederate troops had launched an attack against Union calvary. The outnumbered Union cavalry fall back, temporarily opening the road to the Confederates.  But more Union infantry arrive and Lee ordered his troops to retreat through the village and back across the Appomattox River.  Small pockets of resistance continue to erupt until flags of truce are sent out from the Confederate lines between 10 and 11am.  Lee and Grant exchange messages and agree to meet at the Wilmer McLean home at Appomattox Court House that afternoon.  There, Lee surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia.

I have always mistakenly believed that Lee surrendered to Grant in the court house. I think this is because the town at that time was called Appomattox Court House. Anyway, enjoy these photos.

You can enjoy more photos here.