Discover the Top 7 Fascinating Fun Facts About Appomattox Court House!

1. Lee Surrenders in a House, Not a Courthouse

The McLean House, where Lee "surrendered" more than just his heart to Grant: On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee capitulated to General Ulysses S. Grant at the McLean House in Appomattox Court House, which was later reconstructed on its original site in 1948 and dedicated in 1950, with Robert E. Lee IV and General Ulysses S. Grant III attending as guests of honor.
Source => nps.gov

2. Ghost-Free Furnishings

Call in the Ghost Decorators: When it comes to interior design at Appomattox Court House, Casper need not apply! In fact, the National Park Service takes charge of preserving and furnishing the historical structures, such as the McLean House, with original artifacts and accurate reproductions from the time period.
Source => nytimes.com

Did you know Thomas Jefferson had a pet mockingbird that freely roamed his office, serenading him with its melodies? Discover more about this unique bond between a president and his feathery friend!

=> Fun Facts about History

3. Courthouse Confusion

Plot twist in the historical genre: General Lee didn't actually surrender in a courthouse at the Appomattox Court House; he waved his white flag in the McLean House! Grab your popcorn and historical accuracy cap: the actual courthouse for Appomattox County was located in the nearby town of Clover Hill, while the village of Appomattox Court House was more of a pit stop for socializing, local businesses, and the occasional history-altering surrenders!
Source => npg.si.edu

4. Sweet Tea and Parole Passes

In a rare display of southern hospitality during the Civil War, the Army of Northern Virginia swapped sweet tea and biscuits for parole passes: After surrendering at Appomattox Court House, Confederate soldiers were issued these passes, granting them safe passage home, free food, and free transportation as a goodwill gesture towards national reconciliation. This benevolent practice is documented in the Appomattox Parole List, which can be perused at the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
Source => nps.gov

5. Celebrating Surrender

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the boots of an American Civil War soldier on a mission of surrender, look no further than Appomattox Court House – the only place where giving up is celebrated with gusto: This historical site offers an array of engaging events and programs such as battlefield walking tours, in-depth presentations on the Appomattox Campaign, the Civilian Experience at Appomattox, and delightful first-person living history encounters, all commemorating the momentous surrender and Freedom Day.
Source => nps.gov

6. Hide and Seek: Civil War Edition

In a desperate game of "hide and seek" gone terribly awry, General Robert E. Lee found himself facing a far more formidable opponent than he had bargained for, ultimately waving the white flag with a heavy heart: During the Battle of Appomattox Court House, Lee attempted an attack to break through the Union forces, thinking them to be just lightly armed cavalry; only to discover, much to his surprise and dismay, that the sneaky cavalry was supported by two entire corps of well-armed federal infantry, leaving him with no choice but to surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Musical Chairs: Historical Tables Edition

Has the table turned in history's great game of musical chairs? Alas, the infamous Appomattox Court House table isn't part of the ongoing competition: The table where Generals Grant and Lee signed the surrender documents is not on display at the National Historical Park visitor center, but a replica can be found in the McLean House parlor. Meanwhile, the original signed documents reside at Stratford Hall and the National Archives.
Source => nps.gov