Todd had a free Saturday afternoon (what?!) so we drove out to see Appomattox Court House, where the Civil War ended. Lee surrendered at the town of Appomattox Court House, not the courthouse. The names of County Seats back then were often called Court House... so this little town was the County Seat of Appomattox. Clear as mud?
The actual surrender took place at the McLean house. This picture was taken in front of the McLean house, looking back at the courthouse along the highway where the Confederates surrendered their weapons to the Union.
This grave was in the field where the final battle of the war took place. The grave is of an 18-year-old soldier from the town who had died of disease in camp. Todd loved the two trees twisted together.
Here I am in the same field (the grave is to my left). This is where the Confederates found themselves surrounded. Troops closed in from all sides, and the Union cavalry blocked their retreat by lining the ridge in the distance behind me.
This trip was Todd's idea. He is definitely the history buff in the family. I can't ever remember the dates and particulars, so seeing the actual places where history happened helps me put the pieces together. It's so cool to live somewhere so rich in history!
3 comments:
Is that trench from Banana? If it is, I have it too :) Looks like a lovely weekend!
Did you know McLean lived in Manassas when the war started and moved to Appomattox avoid it? He claimed "The Civil War began in my backyard and ended in my front parlor." :)
Cool! I haven't been there yet, but it's on my list of things to see :) You take great pictures, btw.
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