Some of the earliest pictures of great grandfather were a few years later when he ran the Lincoln assassination investigation for Stanton and was one of the special judge advocates at the trial.
Posted on 04/09/2026 10:42:44 AM PDT by JSM_Liberty
This week marks the 161st anniversaries of Surrender and Freedom Day at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, marking the beginning of the end of the Civil War. The park will host many events throughout the week to celebrate the anniversary and America’s 250th birthday.
The grounds of the Appomattox Court House village have a deep history, especially surrounding America’s bloodiest war. On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was surrounded by General Ulysses S. Grant’s army near the village. The two met on the ground at around 1 p.m., and by 3 p.m., the articles of surrender had been written up.
In the surrender, those serving in Lee’s army had to give up their guns, equipment, and flags, but were able to keep their horses and return home.
“When [people] hear the name ‘Appomattox Courthouse,’ they think the surrender happened in the courthouse building. But it actually happens in the village, in the McLean house,” said Brain Miller, the parks lead ranger. “We preserve the stories of everybody who lived here, and their experiences. We had some confederate soldiers who were in Lee’s army who surrendered here and had a short walk home; there are a lot of stories to tell.” Once General Lee’s surrender was final, it also freed those enslaved across the Commonwealth. At the time, a large majority of Appomattox County were enslaved, and subsequently freed.
“Here at Appomattox, of course, is a continuation of our, story here in America. It’s also, in some ways, the fulfillment of the Declaration of Independence. Because now with federal forces taking over this area, the enslaved are free,” said Miller. “It’s definitely an important year for us, and we’re excited to highlight both the story of America turning 250 and the 161st anniversaries here.” The five-day celebration will feature historical presentations, guided walks around the grounds, live demonstrations, and family activities. This is the park’s busiest time and expect over 2,000 visitors.
Entrance and parking at the park are free. You can go here for a full list of events.
“We, of course, preserve this historic village, not only for visitors to learn and appreciate, but for future generations to learn and appreciate,” said Miller. “If you haven’t been to Appomattox in a while, come see our beautiful grounds. Learn our stories. Interact. Catch ranger talks. Catch living history programs. There’s a lot to do and see.”
Sad day the republic died.
the day that unleashed imported darker people on America that gets worse and worse results every day.
Three great great grandfathers in the Confederate Army, two in Alabama, one in Georgia. I am very proud of their service. All survived the war.
While most of my ancestors who fought in that war were from the north, one of my direct ancestors from Georgia was in Johnston’s army. His Georgia pension file says he surreneded at Goldboro.
The Northern takeover of Virginia is complete. They want all war history purged.
One of my ancestors, who for 3 years was in the rebel cavalry, perfectly good horse was ‘stolen’ by Confederate Quarter Master Corp 2 months before the surrender. He was transferred to the infantry. He was given a brand new never fired Enfield rifle after giving up his 2bbl shotgun and pistol . After Appomattox he walked home to Lynchburg sans rifle which he never fired once. Appomattox to Lynchburg really wasn’t that far. That is the folklore told about my mother’s side of the family from one of my great uncles.
“Once General Lee’s surrender was final, it also freed those enslaved across the Commonwealth.”
The United States continued to cling to slavery after Lee’s surrender; and long after the Emancipation Proclamation but I think it is denied by victorious historians.
Author Napoleon Hill (1883–1970) who was from Virginia, was asked about the good of the Civil War. He said only one thing was good, that in the future in World War II when Britain was about to fall, there was a United States strong enough to save her.
Roughly 2% of the total population died. Most from disease. Combat and other deaths of military and civilians estimated between 620,000 to 850,000 people.
Some of the earliest pictures of great grandfather were a few years later when he ran the Lincoln assassination investigation for Stanton and was one of the special judge advocates at the trial.
One cousin was killed at Five Forks just about a week before Lee's surrender. Another died as a POW in Delaware on April 2, 1865.
The oldest family photo has my great-great-great-grandfather, who was born about 1796; the photo was taken some time between 1853 and 1871. I also have a photo of his son, my Union ancestor, but not taken during the war.
Lee was upset because he lost a war for a Democrat created entity called The Confederacy that fought to maintain an economic system based on the use of slave labor.
No. It ended the Democrat created , slave owning Confederacy.
Hmmm.
I’ve heard of the surrender at Appomattox, but have not heard about the other 160...
My great-grandfather and his 2 brothers were in the Confederate cavalry. My GGF’s brother was capture and spent time in Union prison at Ft. McHenry. I have a letter he wrote home. Gorgeous, perfect penmanship!
I can tell where you got your “education”.
Obviously, you’ve not looked onto the years of reconstruction.
Oh yeah Reb. And I can tell where you got yours.
My ancestor served with the Army of The Potomac.
I was born and raised in Kearny, NJ.
Named for it’s most famous local son Union general Phil Kearny.
So what?
Your side lost. Venerating a bunch of treasonous Southern democrats. yeah. You’re a conservative Republican alright.
You were born and raised in NJ? That’s my point. You’ve been indoctrinated. and just fyi, I’m in PA, my grandfather’s father and grandfather served in the Union army, the dad an officer and his fourteen year old son a drummer. I was subjected to the northern school propaganda, but my grandfather taught me the facts, and in college I worked with a professor writing an American History textbook. Go look up some of the original documents, you’ll see how you’ve been misled.
Do some research yourself. You got some balls coming to a conservative web site venerating a bunch of treasonous Southern Democrats. Piss off Jayhawker.
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