The initial engagement on July 21, 1861 of what would become the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) took place on McLean's farm in Manassas, Virginia. Union Army artillery fired at McLean's house, which was being used as a headquarters for Confederate Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, and a cannonball dropped through the kitchen fireplace.

McLean was a retired major in the Virginia militia, but at 47, he was too old to return to active duty at the outbreak of the Civil War. In the spring of 1863, he and his family moved about 120 miles south to Appomattox County, Virginia, near a dusty, crossroads community called Appomattox Court House.

On April 9, 1865, the war revisited McLean. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was about to surrender to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. He sent a messenger to Appomattox Court House to find a place to meet. On April 8, 1865, the messenger knocked on McLean's door and requested the use of his home, to which McLean reluctantly agreed. Lee surrendered to Grant in the parlor of McLean's house, effectively ending the Civil War. Later, McLean is supposed to have said "The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor."

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Vacation Homes in Piney Mountain

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Top Piney Mountain Hotel Reviews

Fairfield Inn & Suites Lynchburg Liberty University

10/10 Excellent

"Staying in route to Arkansas "

The Virginian Lynchburg Curio Collection

10/10 Excellent

"My husband and I wanted to celebrate our anniversary. Our stay was wonderful. Staff was helpful and kind. Steve in the rooftop restaurant was amazing and can’t thank him enough for the delightful breakfast and dessert. We will be back again! The Virginian staff is fabulous! "

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lynchburg at Liberty Univ.

10/10 Excellent

"Rooms are spacious and clean.Free Breakfast was appreciated and staff very friendly. If I could change anything I'd put a mirror near wi dow for natural lighting. Putting on makeup for important occasions in a dark room was ideal. It might sound silly but if you know, you know. ; )"