The American Civil War (1861–1865) was a civil war in the United States of America. Eleven Southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ("the Confederacy") to fight for independence. Twenty (mostly Northern) free states in which slavery already had been abolished, and five slave states that became known as the "border states" supported the federal government. These twenty-five states, referred to as the Union, had a much larger base of population and industry than the South. After four years of warfare, mostly within the Southern states, the Confederacy surrendered and slavery was outlawed everywhere in the nation. Issues that led to war were resolved only in the Reconstruction Era that followed the restoration of the Union. Source:
Wikipedia -
American Civil War
As the war slowly progressed, Grant continued to extend Robert E. Lee's entrenchment defenses southwest of Petersburg, in an effort to capture vital railroad links. By August 21, 1864 the Union Army had reached and captured the Weldon Railroad. As Grant continued to push the Union advance westward towards the South Side Railroad, Lee's entrenchment lines became overstretched and undermanned. Finally in April 1865, Grant was able to break through Lee's weakened entrenchments and capture Richmond. Knowing that Maj. Gen. Sherman's army, who had cost vast economic destruction in the south, would eventually link up with Grant's Army, Confederates troops in Lee's trenches deserted to the Army of the Potomac. Disease and lack of supplies also weakened Lee's forces. After an unsuccessful Confederate assault on Fort Stedman, Lee retreated from Petersburg and attempted to link up with the remnants of Confederate General Joe Johnson's defeated army in order to continue the war, however, Union cavalry led by Maj. Gen. Phil Sheridan, a close friend of Grant, was able to stop the two armies from converging. Lee and the Army of Virginia reluctantly surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Grant gave generous terms; Confederate troops surrendered their weapons and were allowed to return to their homes on the condition they would not take up arms against the United States. Within a few weeks the Civil War was over.
Source: Wikipedia -
Ulysses S. Grant - Petersburg and Appomattox
The original "old" Appomattox Court House was the first county seat of Appomattox County, Virginia. It was built in 1846, one year after Appomattox County was established, at what was known then as Clover Hill, Virginia. It was the second government public structure built after Appomattox County became official. It was in the center of the village on a large green lot surrounded by the Richmond-Lynchburg stage road. The first building constructed after the county became official was the original wooden county jail built in 1845. The original courthouse was built across the street from the Clover Hill Tavern in 1846. This original courthouse building burned down in 1892. A second courthouse was constructed in 1892, which is near the location of the Appomattox Station in the town of Appomattox, Virginia.
The original county "court house" played no role in the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to General Ulysses S. Grant as it was Palm Sunday and the court was closed for the day. The actual surrender took place at the McLean House. The National Park Service states that the Old Appomattox Court House is of paramount importance by virtue of its association with the site however. It is vital under certain criteria of the National Park Service and by virtue of its creation of the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park by federal law. It represents the participation of the federal government in the preservation and commemoration of historically significant events.
Source: Wikipedia -
Old Appomattox Court House
From the NRHP nomination form:
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Structure Number: |
01 |
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LCS ID: |
000038 |
Historical Significance:
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National Register Status:
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Entered - Documented
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National Register Date:
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06/26/1989
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National Historic Landmark?: |
No
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Significance Level:
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Contributing
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Short Significance Description:
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Reconstructed courthouse sig under Criteria A, by creation it represents the preservation and commemoration of historically signficant events. Sig under criteria consideration (e) as it was reconstructed as a part of the park’s restoration master plan. Reconst 1963-64 as parks visitor center.
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Long Significance Description:
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Significant under Criteria A, by virtue of its creation by federal law and implmentation by NPS, it represents the participation of the federal gov. in the preservation and commemoration of historically signficant events. Significant under Criteria Consideration (e), building has been reconstructed in a suitable environment and presented in a dignified manner as a part of the park’s restoration master plan. Original courthouse built in 1846, 1 year after Appomattox County established. Couthouse played no role in the Surrender as it was Palm Sunday and the court was closed for the day. Building burned in 1892. Reconstructed in 1963-64 to function as the parks visitor center.
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Short Physical Description
2-stories running bond brick , 50'x40', 3-bay, w/ hipped flat-seam roof w/wood trusses. Raised 2nd floor main entry. 2-story E & W entry porches: brick paved 1st floor beneath 2nd-floor hipped-roof porch w/ brick, cast stone steps & cast iron railings, newels & balusters.
Long Physical Description
2-stories running bond brick , 50'x40', 3 bay, w/ hipped flat-seam roof w/wood trusses. Raised 2nd floor main entry. 2-story E & W entry porches: brick paved 1st floor beneath 2nd-floor hipped-roof porch w/ brick, cast stone steps & cast iron railings, newel posts & balusters. 4 -panel entry doors on main level flanked by 12/12 DH sash. Lower level has similar layout with smaller 4-panel door flanked by 8/8 DH sash. End elevations have two internal chimneys flanked by 8/8 DH sash on the first floor with 3, 8/8 DH sash on the main level, 3rd sash is located in the center. All windows have shutters. Both S chimneys removed.
Volume:
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20,000 - 2,000,000 cubic feet
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Material(s)
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Structural Component(s)
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Material(s)
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1.
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Roof
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Tin
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2.
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Foundation
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Concrete
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3.
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Walls
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Brick
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4.
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Framing
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Wood
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Construction Period:
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Historic
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Chronology:
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Physical Event
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Begin Year
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Begin Year AD/BC
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End Year
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End Year AD/BC
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Designer
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Designer Occupation
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1.
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Reconstructed
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1963
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AD
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2.
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Preserved
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1986
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AD
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3.
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Preserved
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1995
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AD
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4.
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Rehabilitated
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2001
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AD
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My Sources
1.
NRHP Narrative
2. Wikipedia -
Old Appomattox Court House
3. Wikipedia -
Robert E. Lee
4. Wikipedia -
Ulysses S. Grant
5. Wikipedia -
Conclusion of the American Civil War