Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (VA)
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Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Entering the National Historical Park from the direction of the present-day town of Appomattox...
As this map depicts, Lee's surrender at Appomattox was not the final surrender, but rather the catalyst for subsequent surrenders which would bring the Civil War to a close...
Prince Edward Court House Road
Looking south from the Peers House, this was in this direction that the guns of the Richmond Howitzer's fired the Army of Northern Virginia's last artillery cannonade...
Lee's Headquarters - April 8-11, 1865
This small clearing marks the headquarters of General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia while at Appomattox. It was from here that Lee composed his first letters of communication regarding surrender with Grant. It was also here that, on April 10, he composed his farewell order to his soldiers: "General Order No. 9, After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to the result from no distrust of them. But feeling that valour and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I have determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell." — R. E. Lee, General
Lee's Headquarters - April 8-11, 1865
This small clearing marks the headquarters of General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia while at Appomattox. It was from here that Lee composed his first letters of communication regarding surrender with Grant. It was also here that, on April 10, he composed his farewell order to his soldiers: "General Order No. 9, After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to the result from no distrust of them. But feeling that valour and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I have determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell." — R. E. Lee, General
Night, April 8-9, 1865 -- From this ridge near his headquarters Lee convened his final war council on the evening of April 8-9 to discuss the practicality of continuing hostilities. General Porter Alexander suggested the army disband and take to the hills to continue the fight guerrilla-style. Lee dismissed this idea. It was finally agreed to make one more push against the Union lines early on the 9th. After this attack failed Lee had run out options...he was heard to remark... "Then there is nothing left for me to do but go and see General Grant, and I would rather die a thousand deaths."
5:30am, April 9, 1865 -- It was at this now-nondescript piece of the battlefield, across the present highway from the Wright House, where General George Armstrong Custer received the initial Confederate flag of truce on the morning of April 9. It had been sent by General Lee signaling his intent to discuss with General Grant terms of surrender...
General Lee Awaits Grants Response
Morning, April 9, 1865 -- Following what must have been one of the most stressful nights of his life General Lee, around 5 am on April 9, sent a flag of truce across the lines with the intent of discussing terms of surrender with General Grant. It was near this spot, under the shade of an apple tree, where Lee anxiously awaited Grant's response...
Last Attack of the Army of Northern Virginia
Morning, April 9, 1865 - It was across these fields that, on the morning of April 9th, North Carolina infantry attacked Union cavalry in the last offensive action of the Army of Northern Virginia. Initial success was short-lived as arriving Union infantry soon forced the much smaller Rebel force to withdraw and request a truce...
Midday, April 9, 1865 -- It was from this spot that soldiers from the 4th and 14th North Carolina Regiments fired the last volley ever fired by the Army of Northern Virginia. Shortly thereafter Lee signed the surrender documents signaling the beginning of the end of the Civil War.
Approaching the historic village from the southwest (the view General Grant would have had upon approaching the village to accept Lee's surrender)...
