Appomattox Court House National Historical Park Tours and Activities

The initial engagement on July 21, 1861 of what would become the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) took place on McLean's farm in Manassas, Virginia. Union Army artillery fired at McLean's house, which was being used as a headquarters for Confederate Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, and a cannonball dropped through the kitchen fireplace. McLean was a retired major in the Virginia militia, but at 47, he was too old to return to active duty at the outbreak of the Civil War. In the spring of 1863, he and his family moved about 120 miles south to Appomattox County, Virginia, near a dusty, crossroads community called Appomattox Court House. On April 9, 1865, the war revisited McLean. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was about to surrender to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. He sent a messenger to Appomattox Court House to find a place to meet. On April 8, 1865, the messenger knocked on McLean's door and requested the use of his home, to which McLean reluctantly agreed. Lee surrendered to Grant in the parlor of McLean's house, effectively ending the Civil War. Later, McLean is supposed to have said "The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor."
The initial engagement on July 21, 1861 of what would become the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) took place on McLean's farm in Manassas, Virginia. Union Army artillery fired at McLean's house, which was being used as a headquarters for Confederate Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, and a cannonball dropped through the kitchen fireplace. McLean was a retired major in the Virginia militia, but at 47, he was too old to return to active duty at the outbreak of the Civil War. In the spring of 1863, he and his family moved about 120 miles south to Appomattox County, Virginia, near a dusty, crossroads community called Appomattox Court House. On April 9, 1865, the war revisited McLean. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was about to surrender to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. He sent a messenger to Appomattox Court House to find a place to meet. On April 8, 1865, the messenger knocked on McLean's door and requested the use of his home, to which McLean reluctantly agreed. Lee surrendered to Grant in the parlor of McLean's house, effectively ending the Civil War. Later, McLean is supposed to have said "The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor."

Popular places to visit

Rear view of McLean House at Appomattox

McLean House

You can study the exhibits at McLean House, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Appomattox. Discover the area's live music and monuments.

McLean House
Arlington House at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia,

The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox

You can study the exhibits at The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Appomattox. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox
County Court House Appomattox Virginia

Appomattox County Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Appomattox County Museum during your travels in Appomattox. Take in the museums in this family-friendly area.

Appomattox County Museum

Confederate Cemetery at Appomattox Court House

Find out about the history of Appomattox when you spend time at Confederate Cemetery at Appomattox Court House. Discover the area's live music and monuments.

Confederate Cemetery at Appomattox Court House

Carver Price Legacy Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Carver Price Legacy Museum during your travels in Appomattox. Take in the museums in this family-friendly area.

Carver Price Legacy Museum

Art Gallery of New Geneva

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Art Gallery of New Geneva during your travels in Appomattox. Take in the museums in this family-friendly area.

Art Gallery of New Geneva

Best Lodging Options Near Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Appomattox Inn and Suites

Appomattox Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
447 Old Courthouse Road Appomattox VA
Appomattox Inn and Suites
Super 8 by Wyndham Appomattox VA

Super 8 by Wyndham Appomattox VA

2 out of 5
7571 Richmond Highway Appomattox VA
Super 8 by Wyndham Appomattox VA
Longacre of Appomattox

Longacre of Appomattox

4 out of 5
1670 Church Street Appomattox VA
Longacre of Appomattox
Cozy Cabin w/ Hot Tub | State Park | Near Lake

Cozy Cabin w/ Hot Tub | State Park | Near Lake

Appomattox VA
Cozy Cabin w/ Hot Tub | State Park | Near Lake
The Treehouse Private Apt 15 min to Lynchburg

The Treehouse Private Apt 15 min to Lynchburg

Concord VA
The Treehouse Private Apt 15 min to Lynchburg
#NoCleaningFee! Pool Table, Hot tub, fireplace overlooking Wreck Island Creek

#NoCleaningFee! Pool Table, Hot tub, fireplace overlooking Wreck Island Creek

Gladstone VA
#NoCleaningFee! Pool Table, Hot tub, fireplace overlooking Wreck Island Creek
Courtyard by Marriott Lynchburg

Courtyard by Marriott Lynchburg

3 out of 5
4640 Murray Place Lynchburg VA
Courtyard by Marriott Lynchburg
Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Lynchburg

Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Lynchburg

2.5 out of 5
5704 Seminole Ave Lynchburg VA
Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Lynchburg
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lynchburg at Liberty Univ.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lynchburg at Liberty Univ.

3 out of 5
3320 Candlers Mountain Rd Lynchburg VA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lynchburg at Liberty Univ.
See all 561 properties in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
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