Where and When Did Robert E. Lee Surrender?

In the closing chapter of the American Civil War, the Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia on April 9, 1865. This act marked the end of the Confederate States of America and the Confederate Army's fighting period, ushering in a new era of reunification for the nation.

Significance of the Surrender

The military and historical significance of this event cannot be overstated. At the scene of Appomattox Courthouse, Lee and Grant met cordially, emphasizing the dignity and grace of this pivotal moment in American history. The actual surrender took place in the living room of the Wilmer McLean home, a location chosen to ensure a respectful and dignified transition.

Tourists visiting Arlington National Cemetery can explore Arlington House, the site where Mary Custis Lee was born and raised, providing a unique glimpse into the family history. The cemetery was strategically placed near the house to symbolize its permanent abandonment. After the war, Lee became the president of Washington University and advocated for reconciliation between the North and South.

The Context of the Surrender

The Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Lee, was in dire straits. They were starving and outmatched, facing a Union Army of 65,000 against their 30,000 men. The severity of the situation compelled Lee to suffer what he called “worse than a thousand deaths” when he agreed to surrender. This decision, though difficult, was born out of a sense of duty to his soldiers and a recognition of the hopelessness of their predicament.

Immediate Aftermath and Reconciliation

Upon hearing of Lee’s surrender, Ulysses S. Grant went beyond the terms of the surrender agreement. He provided food rations to Lee's starving army, demonstrating compassion and a spirit of reconciliation. This act, which occurred almost immediately after the surrender, marked the beginning of the nation's healing process. Following the events at Appomattox Court House, President Andrew Johnson called for a unified nation, and many of the Union's generals followed suit, showing a willingness to put the divisions of the past behind them.

Tourists visiting the area today can see signs that read, "Appomattox where our country reunited" and "Where USA reunited," emphasizing the symbolic and historical significance of the location.

Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox on April 9, 1865, was a turning point in American history, marking the end of the Civil War and setting the stage for a new era of nation-building and reconciliation.