Appomattox Court House

https://www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appomattox_Court_House_National_Historical_Park The Appomattox Court House is a National Historical Park of original and reconstructed 19th century buildings in Appomattox County, Virginia. The village is famous as the site of the Battle of Appomattox Court House and containing the house of Wilmer McLean, where the surrender of the Confederate army under Robert E. Lee to Union commander Ulysses S. Grant took place on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the American Civil War. On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the end of the nation's largest war. Two important questions about its future were answered. Could the nation survive a civil war intact, and would that nation exist without slavery? The answer to both was yes and a new nation was born. Appomattox Court House NHP is located 3 miles east of U.S. Highway 460, and 3 miles east of the modern town of Appomattox, Virginia along Rt. 24. Appomattox Court House Visitor Center The visitor center is located inside the reconstructed Appomattox Courthouse. It offers restroom facilities, visitor information and guidance, a 17-minute film, and exhibits focused on the history of Appomattox Court House. Guided talks and living history programs begin in the visitor center. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is located in south central Virginia approximately 95 miles west of Richmond. The main visitor parking area is located on VA Rt. 24, 2 miles (4.8 km) northeast of the town of Appomattox, VA. The closest airport is in Lynchburg, VA, 25 miles (40.3 km) west. The McLean House This is the home where Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant on April 9, 1865 This is the home where Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant on April 9, 1865 The McLean House during the 150th Anniversary The McLean House during the 150th Anniversary with luminaries along the Stage Road. The McLean House during the 150th Anniversary with luminaries along the Stage Road. The village of Appomattox Court House Aerial view of the village of Appomattox Court House taken in 2014. Aerial view of the village of Appomattox Court House taken in 2014. Living History at Appomattox Court House NHP Living History at Appomattox Court House NHP Living History at Appomattox Court House NHP Bat Population Monitoring in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park The village of Appomattox Court House is generally known for its historical significance and not for its biological resources. Nevertheless, recent research indicates that the two most commonly detected bat species in the park are both state endangered species. Close-up of a northern long-eared bat. Youth Trail Crew Completes Project at Appomattox Court House NHP Appomattox Court House National Historical Park recently hosted a youth crew from the Appalachian Conservation Corps who provided improvements to the park trails. The two-part project included installing steps on a 30-feet long slope and building a 250-feet long puncheon (planked walkway) over a seasonally wet section of trail. Appomattox Court House NHP Hosts 6th Annual Joel Sweeney and the Banjo Festival Appomattox Court House NHP presented the 6th Annual Joel Sweeney and the Banjo Festival at the park on Saturday, September 7, 2019. Designing the Parks: Learning in Action The Designing the Parks program is not your typical internship. Each year since 2013, this program at the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation has introduced a cohort of college students and recent graduates to NPS design and planning professions through projects related to cultural landscape stewardship. In the internships, made possible by partner organizations, participants focus on an in-depth project that directly engages with a national park unit. A group of young people stand on forest trail and listen to two maintenance employees Emancipation and the Quest for Freedom Although the abolition of slavery emerged as a dominant objective of the Union war effort, most Northerners embraced abolition as a practical measure rather than a moral cause. The war resolved legally and constitutionally the single most important moral question that afflicted the nascent republic, an issue that prevented the country from coalescing around a shared vision of freedom, equality, morality, and nationhood. Slave family seated in front of their house NPS Geodiversity Atlas— Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Virginia Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. wayside interpretive sign at park 2015 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients Meet the recipients of the 2015 Freeman Tilden Awards, the highest National Park Service honor for interpretation, and learn more about their exciting programs. Ernie Price The Military Experience The course of the war was the cumulative result of political, economic, and social policies that affected (and were affected by) military operations and battles waged across a front spanning 2,000 miles. The battles and campaigns of 1861-65 ultimately demonstrated that the simple application of massive military force, even with innovations in technologies and tactics, was insufficient to resolve a conflict between two sections mobilized against one another politically, socia Engraving of soldier warming himself by a fire Photo of U.S. Sanitary Commission office. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Commemorates the 152nd Anniversary Nearly 5,000 visitors participated in the six-day anniversary event from Friday, April 7 through Wednesday, April 12. This year’s program schedule followed exactly the events 152 years ago, as April 9 fell on Palm Sunday for the seventh time since 1865. Visitors participated in 37 ranger and VIP led programs, parole printing demonstrations, black powder demonstrations, and the stacking of arms throughout the weekend. A two story historic home with a white picket fence and Luminaries in the front yard at night. The Civilian Experience in the Civil War After being mere spectators at the war's early battles, civilians both near and far from the battlefields became unwilling participants and victims of the war as its toll of blood and treasure grew year after year. In response to the hardships imposed upon their fellow citizens by the war, civilians on both sides mobilized to provide comfort, encouragement, and material, and began to expect that their government should do the same. Painting of civilians under fire during the Siege of Vicksburg Appomattox Court House Cultural Landscape The Appomattox Court House Landscape is the site of General Lee's 1865 surrender to General Grant, beginning the return to peace following the Civil War. The rural landscape is also significant in areas of architecture and conservation. A flat dirt road, bordered by wooden fencing, approaches the two-story red brick courthouse. 2020 Weather In Review: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park The year 2020 was the wettest year ever recorded at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. In terms of temperature, it was also very warm - it was the 4th warmest year on record (since 1895). A view of the Peers house across a green field with storm clouds in the distance. Abraham Lincoln: The War Years 1861-1865 No president up to that point in American history was called on to be commander-in-chief like Abraham Lincoln. From monitoring the War Department telegraph office to selecting of commanding generals and developing military strategy, Lincoln guided the nation through its darkest hour. Abraham Lincoln and General George McClellan following the Battle of Antietam The Civil War in American Memory America's cultural memories of the Civil War are inseparably intertwined with that most "peculiar institution" of American history - racial slavery. But in the struggle over Civil War memory which began as soon as the war was over and continues to this day, rival cultural memories of reconciliation and white supremacy have often prevailed. Therein lies the challenge as the National Park Service - a public agency - seeks to "provide understanding" of the Civil War era's lasting impact upon the development of our nation. Elderly Union and Confederate veterans shake hands at the fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg National Park Getaway: Appomatox Court House National Historical Park Just a two-hour drive west from Richmond, Virginia, Appomattox Court House is the site where Robert E. Lee surrendered Confederate forces to the Federal command of Ulysses S. Grant. The surrender, on April 9, 1865, ushered in the final days of the American Civil War as well as the first, halting footsteps of the journey toward citizenship for former slaves. sun setting behind a small building surrounded by a white picket fence Herbert Hoover's National Parks Herbert Hoover is not thought of as one of our better presidents, but he made lasting contributions in the national parks he established. During Herbert Hoover's presidency from 1929 to 1933, the land designated for new national parks and monuments increased by 40 percent. Sepia photo of Herbert Hoover standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon. National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map About Appomattox Court House Get started by learning the history of Appomattox Court House, including the village and its residents, the Civil War battle, and the significance of the Confederate Army's surrender to the town, African Americans and the nation. Map of area around Coleman House Introduction Welcome to After Appomattox! Find background information about this online activity, including the essential question, objectives, audience, and more. Untold Stories: Hannah Reynolds Learn about Hannah Reynolds. Reenactor of Hannah Reynolds Untold Stories: Margaret Abbitt Learn about Margaret Abbitt. 1870 census record Continuity and Change Archeologists excavating near Hannah Reynolds' and Margaret Abbitt's cabin found artifacts. Use your powers of observation to learn about their everyday lives from the artifacts. Pamplin pipe Series: After Appomattox: Artifacts of Slavery and Freedom On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, ending the Civil War. Use this online activity to learn about the historical events and their impacts at this small village, especially for enslaved African Americans. It draws from historical and archeological evidence to tell the story of two women, Hannah Reynolds and Margaret Abbitt, who were enslaved at Appomattox Court House before the war and emancipated by its end. Reenactor as Hannag Series: National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geoheritage-conservation.htm">geoheritage</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geodiversity.htm">geodiversity</a> resources and values all across the National Park System to support science-based management and education. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1088/index.htm">NPS Geologic Resources Division</a> and many parks work with National and International <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/park-geology.htm">geoconservation</a> communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available. park scene mountains An introduction to the benthic macroinvertebrate community at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Benthic macroinvertebrates are an important part of stream ecosystems in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. NPS scientists are studying these organisms in order to better understand and protect park natural resources. NPS staff collecting macroinvertebrates with nets in a stream Grant at Appomattox Court House On April 9th, General Grant and his mud-splattered staff arrived at Appomattox Court House. They were in stark contrast to General Lee in his new uniform. In a fine brick home, the two men discussed the surrender terms. Lee’s surrender was the symbolic end of the Civil War. Grant and Lee shaking hands at Appomatox courthouse. Series: The Odyssey of Ulysses An unknown 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S.-Mexican War later resigns the army. He rejoins and goes on to become lieutenant general of all Union armies. In his first term as President of the United States, he establishes Yellowstone National Park. From his first battle to his family home to his final resting place — the saga of Ulysses S. Grant is preserved in your National Parks. Color lithograph of Grant at the capture of the city of Mexico. 2021 Weather In Review: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park In all, 2021 was much drier and warmer than average at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Appomattox Court House Resilient Forests Initiative - Managing Invasive Plants & Pests Park forests are threatened by invasive plants and pests. Strategically tackling invasive plants to protect park’s highest priority natural resources and planning around forest pests and pathogens are important actions in managing resilient forests. Forest Regeneration I&M Networks Support Resilient Forest Management NPS Inventory and Monitoring Networks have been tracking forest health in eastern national parks since 2006. This monitoring information can guide resilient forest management and support parks in adapting to changing conditions through the actions described below. Forest health monitoring Series: Managing Resilient Forests Initiative for Eastern National Parks Forests in the northeastern U.S. are in peril. Over-abundant deer, invasive plants, and insect pests are impacting park forests, threatening to degrade the scenic vistas and forested landscapes that parks are renowned for. With regional collaboration, parks can manage these impacts and help forests be resilient. This article series explores tools available to park managers to achieve their goals. Healthy forests have many native seedlings and saplings. Judy Forte As a child growing up in the South during the 1950s and 1960s, Judy Forte’s life was heavily influenced by the US civil rights movement. She was only 11 years old when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Four decades later she became the first African American woman superintendent at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park—and she's not done yet. Close up of Judy Forte wearing her NPS ranger flat hat. Managing Resilient Forests. A Regional Initiative Forests cover tens of thousands of acres in eastern national parks and these critical resources face a range of interacting stressors: over-abundant white-tailed deer populations, invasive plant dominance, novel pests and pathogens, among other threats. The Resilient Forests Initiative will help parks address these issue collectively. Forest health monitoring 2022 Weather in Review: Appomattox Court House National Historical Park In all, 2022 was warmer than average but had near-normal total precipitation at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Appomattox Court House