The Surrender Ceremony

Historical marker location:
308 George Peers Dr, Appomattox, Virginia
( Marker is on George Peers Drive (State Highway 24), on the right when traveling west.)

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The first Thanksgiving in North America was celebrated in Virginia in 1619, a year before the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving in Massachusetts.
Appomattox County, located in central Virginia, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Appomattoc and the Monacan. European colonizers arrived in the 1600s, establishing settlements and engaging in trade with the local tribes. The county's name, "Appomattox," is derived from the Appomattoc tribe and means "where the pottery is made."

During the American Revolutionary War, the county played a significant role as a battleground between British and American forces. The Battle of Guilford Court House in 1781 took place in present-day Appomattox County, a crucial engagement that ultimately led to the British surrender at Yorktown.

Appomattox County gained further prominence during the American Civil War. It was here that the final surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee took place on April 9, 1865. The Appomattox Court House, a small village within the county, became the symbolic site where Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, marking the end of the Civil War.

In the years following the Civil War, Appomattox County experienced a period of rebuilding and transition. The county's economy shifted from agriculture to industry, with the arrival of industries like tobacco processing, textiles, and manufacturing. Today, Appomattox County is a thriving community known for its beauty, historical significance, and rural charm. It attracts visitors from around the world who come to explore its historical sites, including the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, and to enjoy the county's natural beauty, such as the scenic Appomattox River. Overall, Appomattox County's history is a tapestry of Native American heritage, Revolutionary War battles, famous Civil War surrender, and a transition into a prosperous modern community.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Appomattox County, Virginia.

  • 1845: Appomattox County is officially established.
  • 1865: On April 9th, the American Civil War effectively ends when General Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House. This event becomes known as the Appomattox Court House surrender.
  • 20th century: Appomattox County experiences various economic developments and changes, including improvements in infrastructure and agricultural practices.
  • 2007: The Appomattox Depot, a historic train station, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.