10/15/24- Teachers and Parents - Purchase a subscription to the ad-free, full-content, unlimited students version of MrNussbaum.com! Click "Sign up" in the upper right corner. Join thousands of teachers, parents, and students who enjoy the site with no distractions and tons more content and options! Only $29 per year.

Advertisement

Remove ad

This page tells the story of General Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at the McLean House in Appomattox Courthouse in 1865.

Appomattox Postage Stamp

Appomattox Courthouse

Desperate Times

By April 9th, 1865, Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was in a state of desperation. Union forces had occupied both Petersburg and the Confederate capital of Richmond and Lee's army was forced west in a last-ditch attempt to join forces with Confederate General Joseph Johnston in North Carolina. The Confederate government had fled toward Danville in southern Virginia.

Lee's Last Stand; Surrender on Generous Terms

Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant cut off Lee's retreat at the village of Appomattox Courthouse. Lee originally thought his pursuers only consisted of cavalry, but when it became clear the cavalry was backed by two infantry corps, and that his weak, tired, and bedraggled army was in no shape to continue the fight, Lee had no choice but to surrender. His only option was to negotiate as favorable terms as possible for this army. On the afternoon of April 9th, Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Grant in the parlor of the Wilmer McLean House. Surrender terms authorized by Ulysses S. Grant were generous. No soldiers in Lee's army would be imprisoned or punished. Officers were allowed to keep their pistols and soldiers were allowed to keep their horses. In addition, Grant provided rations and food to the starving Confederate army.

Lee Surrenders to Grant

Lee Surrenders to Grant

 

Although there would be several small skirmishes following Lee's surrender, the Confederacy was defeated and within the next two months, it would be completely dissolved.

 

Advertisement

Remove ad

Related activities

Advertisement

Remove ad