History of Appomattox County, Virginia
Appomattox County, located in central Virginia, is a region steeped in American history, most famously known as the site of the Appomattox Court House, where the Civil War effectively ended in 1865 with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to General Ulysses S. Grant. Formed in 1845, the county’s rich historical tapestry is shaped by its pivotal role in the war, the railroad development, and its agricultural heritage. Today, Appomattox County is a quiet rural community with a deep connection to the events that shaped the nation, offering visitors a chance to explore its historic landmarks and natural beauty.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Early History and Settlement
Before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Appomattox County was inhabited by the Monacan tribe, part of the larger Siouan-speaking group of Native Americans. The Monacans were known for their agricultural skills and lived along the Appomattox River, which would later lend its name to the county.
European settlement in the region began in the early 1700s, with the establishment of several small farms and trading posts. By the mid-18th century, the area had become a center of agriculture, especially tobacco cultivation. The county was officially formed in 1845 from parts of Prince Edward County and Cumberland County. It was named after the Appomattox River, which itself is believed to have been named after the Appomattuck people, an Algonquian-speaking group that once inhabited the area.
The early years of Appomattox County were marked by a slow and steady population increase, with settlers drawn to the fertile land. As with much of Virginia, agriculture dominated the economy, particularly tobacco farming and, later, the cultivation of wheat and corn.
The Civil War and Appomattox Court House
Appomattox County holds a unique place in American history due to its association with the end of the Civil War. In April 1865, after a series of battles and months of exhaustion on both sides, General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate States Army surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant of the Union Army at the Appomattox Court House. This momentous event is widely regarded as the symbolic end of the Civil War.
In the days leading up to the surrender, General Lee and his troops had been pursued by Union forces, culminating in their final retreat to Appomattox Court House. On the afternoon of April 9, 1865, Lee and Grant met in the parlor of the McLean House in the town, where the terms of surrender were negotiated. Lee’s soldiers were allowed to return home with their horses, and they were not required to take an oath of loyalty to the Union, a gesture that helped foster a spirit of reconciliation after the war.
The surrender at Appomattox Court House is considered a defining moment in U.S. history and is a key reason why the county remains one of the most visited historical sites in Virginia.
Post-Civil War Era and Reconstruction
After the Civil War, Appomattox County, like much of the South, faced a long and difficult period of Reconstruction. The region’s economy was severely damaged, as plantations were no longer economically viable, and much of the county’s infrastructure had been destroyed during the war. The county’s farmers and former soldiers faced extreme hardship, but gradually, they turned to small-scale farming and livestock as the mainstays of the local economy.
In the late 19th century, the introduction of railroads in the region provided a boost to the economy by improving access to markets for local goods. The Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, which passed through Appomattox, facilitated the transport of agricultural products and helped lay the foundation for the county’s future growth.
20th Century to Present
During the 20th century, Appomattox County remained a largely agricultural community. The decline of tobacco farming in the mid-1900s led to economic diversification, with farming operations shifting toward dairy production, livestock, and grain crops.
In the second half of the 20th century, Appomattox became increasingly known for its historical significance, especially as Appomattox Court House National Historical Park was established to preserve the site of General Lee’s surrender. The county’s historic connection to the Civil War, combined with its rural beauty, made it a destination for history buffs and tourists alike.
Today, Appomattox County remains a quiet, rural area with a strong sense of community. It continues to celebrate its history and is committed to preserving the legacy of the Civil War while also promoting local agricultural and economic development.
Historical Sites in Appomattox County
1. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Overview
The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is the county’s most famous landmark, commemorating the site where the Civil War came to an end. The park preserves the McLean House, where General Lee and General Grant met to negotiate the terms of surrender. The park also includes several other historic buildings, including the courthouse and the preservation of Lee’s surrender site, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
Location:
102 North Court Street, Appomattox, VA 24522
Ticket Price:
- Adults: $10
- Children (16 and under): Free
Parking Information:
Free parking is available at the visitor center and throughout the National Historical Park.
2. Appomattox Station Battlefield
Overview
The Appomattox Station Battlefield was the site of the Union’s pivotal victory before the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court House. Here, Union forces captured Confederate supply trains, severely crippling the Confederate army’s ability to continue fighting. The battlefield is home to several historic markers and is a significant site for understanding the final stages of the Civil War.
Location:
Appomattox Station, VA 24522
Ticket Price:
- Free admission.
Parking Information:
Free parking is available at the Appomattox Station Battlefield Park.
3. The McLean House
Overview
The McLean House is perhaps the most iconic building in Appomattox County due to its association with General Lee’s surrender. Built in the early 19th century, the house served as the setting for the official meeting between General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865. The house has been carefully restored to its Civil War-era appearance and is a focal point for visitors learning about the history of the surrender.
Location:
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, 102 North Court Street, Appomattox, VA 24522
Ticket Price:
- Included in the admission to the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
Parking Information:
Parking is available at the visitor center and near the McLean House within the historical park.
4. The Museum of the Confederacy – Appomattox
Overview
The Museum of the Confederacy in Appomattox provides a deeper dive into the history of the Confederate States of America and the Civil War, offering exhibits on Confederate uniforms, artifacts, weapons, and the experiences of soldiers during the war. The museum also explores the impact of the war on the people of the South.
Location:
159 Horseshoe Road, Appomattox, VA 24522
Ticket Price:
- Adults: $8
- Children (under 12): Free
Parking Information:
Parking is available at the museum’s parking lot.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Appomattox County is located in central Virginia, bordered by the counties of Amherst, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, and Nelson. The county is characterized by its rolling hills, forested areas, and the Appomattox River, which runs through the heart of the county. The region is primarily rural, with farmlands, woodlands, and small communities dotting the landscape. The county is also located near the Piedmont region, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
Appomattox County experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-80s to low 90s (°F), while winters are generally cold, with average temperatures in the 40s. Snowfall is minimal but occurs occasionally in the winter months. The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with peak precipitation in the spring and summer.
Key County Statistics
- Year Founded: 1845
- County Seat: Appomattox
- Population: Approximately 15,000
- Population Density: 50 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Appomattox, Pamplin City, Redwood
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 460, State Route 24, State Route 131
- Adjacent Counties:
- Amherst County (north)
- Campbell County (west)
- Buckingham County (east)
- Charlotte County (south)
- Nelson County (northeast)