Appomattox Court House
On April 9, 1865, after four years of bloodshed, Gen. Lee extended to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant one of the most important handshakes in our nation’s history. At Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, visitors can see the historic village, including the McLean House where the surrender took place, and hike short or long trails past such sites as Lee’s headquarters and the location of his last attack. Park personnel offer living-history experiences from May to October, including historic character programs, weapons demonstrations and period-music performances. One of the most moving scenes can be viewed just up the road: The Confederate cemetery is the final resting place for 18 Confederate soldiers and one unknown Yankee who was found after the other Union dead had been taken elsewhere.