Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Tours

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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Appomattox Travel Guide

Reviews of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

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5/5 - Excellent

Steven

A 10 minute car ride from the Babcock House. The courthouse and McLean house (where the actual surrender was signed) were the highlights. An eye-opening experience from our nation's history.

Popular places to visit

McLean House

You can study the exhibits at McLean House, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Appomattox. Discover the area's live music and monuments.

Arlington House at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia,

The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox

You can study the exhibits at The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Appomattox. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Appomattox County Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Appomattox County Museum during your travels in Appomattox. Take in the museums in this family-friendly area.

Confederate Cemetery at Appomattox Court House

Find out about the history of Appomattox when you spend time at Confederate Cemetery at Appomattox Court House. Discover the area's live music and monuments.

Carver Price Legacy Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Carver Price Legacy Museum during your travels in Appomattox. Take in the museums in this family-friendly area.

Art Gallery of New Geneva

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Art Gallery of New Geneva during your travels in Appomattox. Take in the museums in this family-friendly area.

Best Lodging Options Near Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Check availability on hotels close to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Appomattox Inn and Suites

447 Old Courthouse Road Appomattox VA

Super 8 by Wyndham Appomattox VA

7571 Richmond Highway Appomattox VA

Longacre of Appomattox

1670 Church Street Appomattox VA

Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Lynchburg

5704 Seminole Ave Lynchburg VA

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

3320 Candlers Mountain Rd Lynchburg VA

The Virginian Lynchburg Curio Collection

712 Church Street Lynchburg VA

Lynchburg Grand Essential

601 Main St Lynchburg VA

Courtyard by Marriott Lynchburg

4640 Murray Place Lynchburg VA

Fairfield Inn & Suites Lynchburg Liberty University

3777 Candlers Mtn Road Lynchburg VA

See all 561 properties in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

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