National Register Listing

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

3 mi. NE of Appomattox on VA 24, Appomattox, VA
Local significance of the district:
Conservation; Military; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Virginia was the birthplace of eight United States presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
Virginia random facts
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.