Interpretive Sign at the McLean House

Here's Frank standing in front of the McLean House in Appomattox, VA. Next to him is a sign that was placed by the National Park Service. It tells the story of the momentous event that took place here.

At midday on April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee rode into this yard, dismounted, and disappeared into the McLean House. Grant, surrounded by generals and staff officers, soon followed. Dozens of officers, horses, and onlookers waited outside. After 90 minutes, Lee and Grant emerged. To the silent salutes of Union officers, Lee rode back through the village – to his defeated army.

The home that hosted the surrender meeting was one of the best in Appomattox. Built in 1848, it had since 1862 been owned by businessman Wilmer McLean. The house became a sensation after the surrender. Union officers took some mementos; and in 1893 it was dismantled for display in Washington, D.C. But that display never happened, and the National Park Service reconstructed the building on its original site in the 1940s.

Recommended Reading: Jay Winik's April 1865: The Month That Saved America.

Two Views of the McLean House, Appomattox, VA

You may recall that Wilmer McLean moved his family from the Manassas Battlefield area to Appomattox to get away from the Civil War, but eventually it followed him and the surrender papers were signed in his home. (See Wilmer McLean's story in Wikipedia.)

His house has been reconstructed and is open to visitors.

• Description of buildings and their story on National Park Service Site.
• Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

By the way, we were able to use Frank's National Parks Senior Pass which he bought last year at Yorktown. It's a great deal if you are 62 or over because it is a lifetime pass for the card holder and up to three passengers. We have used it at Jamestown, Skyline Drive, and Assateague too.

Another View of the McLean House

At Appomattox, Virginia

See last year's photos of the McLean House

Tour: The End of the Civil War in Virginia

Sunday, May 17, 2009: Last Day of Our Last Tour
Civil War Field Trips, NVCC

Dr. Poland gave each of us a hand-drawn map showing the itinerary for our Petersburg to Appomattox tour. If you have the luxury of time, you might want to allow two days for this tour. You could easily spend most of a day at Pamplin Historical Park, with its entertaining museums and reconstructed forts. For that matter, you might want to spend an entire day exploring Appomattox.

1. Pamplin Park, Petersburg, VA
2. White Oak Road
3. Five Forks
4. Sailors Creek (3 stops, following a long drive on 460 and 617)
5. Marshall's Crossroads
6. High Bridge (near Farmville, VA)
7. Appomattox, VA

See my September posts:

• The Courthouse at Appomattox
• Clover Hill Tavern
• Historical Entertainment
• Sign at the McLean House
• Views of the McLean House
• A Place Where Peace Began
• B&B Where We Stayed

Inside the McLean House, Appomattox

Above: Grant's Desk

Below: A Bedroom

Register Now for NVCC Civil War Course

It's time to register for the class that inspired my Civil War Field Trips Website. Looks like we are finally covering the end of the war this year!

Class dates are May 15, 16, 17, 2009. See the description:
HIS 298 Seminar and Project: Civil War Field Trips

• Visit to the McLean House, Appomattox, in 2008
• 1998 Field Trip to Petersburg and Appomattox
• No. Va. Community College Website