40 Facts About Appomattox

The Significance of Appomattox

Appomattox holds a special place in American history. It was here that the Civil War effectively came to an end. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this historic event and location.

1. 01Appomattox Court House is where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, marking the end of the Civil War.
2. 02The surrender took place in the parlor of Wilmer McLean's home, a modest brick house in the village.
3. 03Wilmer McLean had previously lived near the First Battle of Bull Run, the war's first major battle, and moved to Appomattox to escape the conflict.
4. 04The terms of surrender were generous. Confederate soldiers were allowed to return home with their personal possessions, horses, and sidearms.
5. 05Approximately 28,000 Confederate soldiers were paroled after the surrender, allowing them to return to civilian life.

The Village of Appomattox Court House

The village itself has a rich history beyond the surrender. Here are some intriguing details about the place where history was made.

6. 06Appomattox Court House was a small village with only about 20 buildings at the time of the surrender.
7. 07The village served as the county seat of Appomattox County, Virginia.
8. 08Today, the village is preserved as part of the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
9. 09The McLean House, where the surrender took place, was dismantled in 1893 but later reconstructed in the 1940s.
10. 10The park includes several original and reconstructed buildings, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life.

Key Figures at Appomattox

Several notable individuals played crucial roles in the events at Appomattox. Let's learn more about them.

11. 11General Ulysses S. Grant, the Union commander, later became the 18th President of the United States.
12. 12General Robert E. Lee, the Confederate commander, was a respected military leader and became a symbol of the South.
13. 13Major General Philip Sheridan played a significant role in the final campaigns leading to Lee's surrender.
14. 14Colonel Charles Marshall, Lee's aide-de-camp, drafted the terms of surrender.
15. 15Brigadier General Ely S. Parker, a Seneca Indian and Grant's military secretary, wrote out the formal surrender documents.

The Aftermath of the Surrender

The surrender at Appomattox had far-reaching consequences for the nation. Here are some important facts about what happened next.

16. 16The surrender at Appomattox did not immediately end all fighting. Some Confederate forces continued to resist for several weeks.
17. 17President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated just five days after the surrender, on April 14, 1865.
18. 18The surrender marked the beginning of the Reconstruction era, a challenging period of rebuilding and integrating the Southern states back into the Union.
19. 19Many former Confederate soldiers faced hardships returning to civilian life, with the South's economy in ruins.
20. 20The surrender at Appomattox is often seen as a symbol of reconciliation and the beginning of the healing process for the nation.

The Legacy of Appomattox

The events at Appomattox continue to resonate in American culture and history. Here are some ways the legacy lives on.

21. 21Appomattox Court House National Historical Park attracts thousands of visitors each year, eager to learn about this pivotal moment in history.
22. 22The site is a popular destination for school field trips, offering educational programs and living history demonstrations.
23. 23The surrender has been depicted in numerous films, books, and documentaries, highlighting its significance.
24. 24Appomattox is often referenced in discussions about conflict resolution and the importance of compromise.
25. 25The phrase "meeting at Appomattox" has become synonymous with making peace and resolving disputes.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond the well-known facts, there are some lesser-known details that add depth to the story of Appomattox.

26. 26The McLean House was almost lost to history. It was dismantled with plans to move it to Washington, D.C., but the project was abandoned.
27. 27The original surrender table used by Lee and Grant is preserved and displayed at the Chicago Historical Society.
28. 28The Appomattox Court House area was designated a national historical park in 1940.
29. 29The park covers approximately 1,800 acres, including the village and surrounding battlefield areas.
30. 30The village's name, "Appomattox Court House," can be confusing. It refers to the entire village, not just a single building.

The Human Side of Appomattox

The surrender at Appomattox was not just a military event; it was a deeply human moment. Here are some personal stories from that day.

31. 31General Lee wore his finest uniform to the surrender meeting, while General Grant arrived in a mud-splattered private's coat.
32. 32After the surrender, Union soldiers saluted their former enemies as they laid down their arms, a gesture of respect.
33. 33Many Confederate soldiers were moved to tears by the generous terms of surrender offered by Grant.
34. 34The surrender meeting lasted only about 90 minutes, but its impact was profound and lasting.
35. 35General Lee's horse, Traveller, became famous and is often depicted in paintings of the surrender.

Appomattox in Popular Culture

The events at Appomattox have inspired countless works of art, literature, and media. Here are some notable examples.

36. 36The surrender has been dramatized in films such as "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "Lincoln" (2012).
37. 37Numerous books have been written about the surrender, including "April 1865: The Month That Saved America" by Jay Winik.
38. 38The surrender is a popular subject for Civil War reenactments, with enthusiasts recreating the historic event.
39. 39Appomattox has been referenced in songs, including "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" by The Band.
40. 40The story of Appomattox continues to inspire artists, writers, and historians, keeping the memory of this pivotal moment alive.

The Final Stand

Appomattox marked a pivotal moment in American history. The surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, effectively ended the Civil War, bringing relief to a war-weary nation. General Robert E. Lee's decision to surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant was a turning point that paved the way for the United States to begin healing and rebuilding.

This event didn't just signify the end of a conflict; it also symbolized the resilience and determination of a nation striving for unity. The terms of surrender were generous, aiming to foster reconciliation rather than punishment. Soldiers were allowed to return home with their horses and personal belongings, a gesture that helped ease the transition to peace.

Understanding the facts about Appomattox helps us appreciate the complexities and sacrifices involved in shaping the country. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the enduring spirit of the American people.