Robertson House Fight

Historical marker location:
505 Oakville Road, Appomattox, Virginia
( Marker can be reached from Oakville Road (Virginia Route 26) north of Richmond Highway (U.S. 460), on the right when traveling south.)

Last Cavalry Clash at Appomattox. Lee's Retreat

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The first successful English attempt to establish a colony in North America was made by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1584 on Roanoke Island, off the coast of Virginia.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.