America Unfinished: Appomattox at 160 Appomattox Court House National Historical Park will commemorate the 160th anniversary of the victory of Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant, forcing the surrender General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Special anniversary programs and activities will take place April 7-13, 2025.
The weeklong commemoration will include guided walks and talks, living history programs, family activities, cannon firing demonstrations, the dedication of new trails for increased public access to the battlefield, and more. A tentative schedule can be found below and is subject to change. Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23- Living History Event-Battle of Fort Stedman
Saturday- 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Petersburg National Battlefield Location: 5001 Siege Road, Petersburg, Virginia Petersburg National Battlefield invites the public to come discover the story of the Battle of Fort Stedman, a key moment in the Petersburg Campaign. Visitors to the park’s Eastern Front Visitor Center are welcome to explore the encampment of living historians from the 10th Virginia and Princess Anne Greys to learn about soldier life and discuss the situation faced by Confederate forces in the spring of 1865. Sharpshooter drill will be conducted at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm Saturday and again at 11:00 am on Sunday. A special anniversary walking tour of the battlefield will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday. Learn more. Saturday, March 22- The Appomattox Campaign: Prelude to Surrender 12:00-1:30 PM Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park Location: 6541 Sayler's Creek Rd, Rice, VA 23966 Join us at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., for an engaging program exploring the pivotal events of the Appomattox Campaign, the final campaign in the eastern theater of the Civil War. Learn More. Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30- 160th Breakthrough Battle Anniversary Weekend Pamplin Historical Park Location: 6125 Boydton Plank Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803 Join us as we remember the 160th Anniversary of the Breakthrough Battle which ended the Petersburg Campaign and forced the Confederate withdrawal from Richmond. Learn more. Tuesday, April 1- Five Forks 160th Anniversary 2:30 PM Petersburg National Battlefield Location: Five Forks Tour Stop #3 On April 1, 1865, U.S. troops attacked Confederates forces at a crossroads called Five Forks. Its capture would threaten the Confederates' only remaining supply route. On the 160th anniversary of the battle, join a Park Ranger for a 30-45 minute program examining this important engagement that helped bring an end to the siege. Thursday, April 3- An Examination of the Federal High Command; April 1865, The Appomattox Campaign 6:00-8:00 PM High Bridge Trail State Park in collaboration with Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society Location: 1835 Cumberland Road, Farmville, VA 23901 Have you ever wondered about the pivotal command decisions made in the spring of 1865 that helped bring the fighting in Virginia to an end? Learn more. Saturday, April 5- "Black Thursday- 160th Sailor Creek Anniversary Re-enactment 9:00 AM-9:00 PM Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park Location: 6541 Sayler's Creek Rd, Rice, VA 23966 Step back in time with us on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park for a powerful commemoration of what the South grimly called “Black Thursday," the decisive battle that helped seal the fate of the Confederacy. From 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., relive one of the American Civil War’s most intense engagements as Union and Confederate public historians bring this hallowed ground to life with stirring reenactments and immersive living history experiences. Learn more. Saturday, April 5- Their War is Over: Prisoners, Casualties, and their Unknown Destinations 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park Location: 6541 Sayler's Creek Rd, Rice, VA 23966 Step back into a tumultuous moment in American history with "Their War is Over: Prisoners, Casualties, and Their Unknown Destinations," a lantern-lit self-guided tour at the historic Hillsman House on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Learn more. Sunday, April 6- "In the Footsteps of Fate: The Smyth-Bahnson Legacy" 6:00-7:30 PM High Bridge Trail State Park in collaboration with Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society Location: Camp Paradise- 1466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice, VA 23966 Step back in time under the flicker of firelight as we explore the intertwined stories of two soldiers whose lives converged outside the town of Farmville during the Appomattox Campaign. Learn more. Sunday, April 6- United Daughter of Confederacy Annual Memorial Service 2:00 PM Location: Appomattox Court House NHP Confederate Cemetery Parking Area Monday, April 7- 160th Anniversary Battle Walk: High Bridge and Farmville in the Final Days of the Civil War 5:00-6:30 PM High Bridge Trail State Park Location: Visitor Center- 1466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice, VA 23966 Join a park ranger on Monday, April 7th, 2025, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a special guided battle walk commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Battles of High Bridge and the fighting around Farmville. Learn more. Monday, April 7- Forgotten Friday: The April 7, 1865, Actions in Cumberland County 7:00 PM Location: Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1835 Cumberland Rd, Farmville, VA 23901 Largely overlooked owing to the events at Sailor’s Creek and Appomattox Court House, multiple engagements and events occurred in Cumberland County. Four separate engagements result in the death, wounding and capture of three generals. Tuesday, April 8- Fireside Talk: A 160th Commemorative Program at Appomattox Station 6:00-8:00 PM Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society Location: Appomattox Station Battlefield, 249 Jamerson Lane, Appomattox, VA 24522 Draw close to a smoky campfire and spend an evening on the Appomattox Station Battlefield, the site of one of the final battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia. The Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society will present a fireside talk where guests will be able to meet Confederate and Federal troops. Dedicated living historians will bring their stories to life — tales of hope, triumph, despair, and defeat. Learn more. Thursday, April 10- Guest Speaker: Chris Mackowski 6:00 PM American Civil War Museum at Appomattox- Location: 159 Horseshoe Rd, Appomattox, VA 24522 Thursday, April 10- Freedom & Union- The United States Colored Troops at Appomattox 6:30 PM African American Civil War Memorial Museum Virtual Program Join a virtual talk with Dr. Elizabeth Varon, Author of “Appomattox: Victory, Defeat, and Freedom at the End of the Civil War” on the role of the United States Colored Troops in the liberation of Richmond, its aftermath and the Appomattox Campaign. Registration required. Saturday, April 12- Bus Trip and Wreath Laying at the United States Colored Troops Marker by the African American Civil War Memorial Museum. Wreath Laying- 2:30 PM Location: Appomattox Court House NHP Grant's Headquarters Parking Area Join the African American Civil War Memorial Museum for a day trip to Appomattox for the 160th Anniversary commemorative events. Learn more. State Historic Site Location: 4409 Bennett Memorial Road, Durham, NC 27705 The close of the American Civil War with military surrenders at sites like Bennett Place assured the end of legal slavery in America. On the evening before the 160th anniversary of the Bennett Place surrender, join us as we commemorate and recognize the lives of over 330,000 North Carolinians enslaved during the Civil War. Learn More. Saturday, April 26- Uneasy Peace: Bennett Place Surrender's 160th Anniversary 10:00 AM-3:00 PM State Historic Site Location: 4409 Bennett Memorial Road, Durham, NC 27705 On April 26, 1865, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered to U.S. Army Major General William T. Sherman from the parlor of James and Nancy Bennett’s farmhouse in what is now Durham, North Carolina. This marked the largest surrender of the American Civil War, with over 89,000 Confederates surrendered. The terms of Johnston and Sherman’s negotiations reflected a broader and future national debate over how to remake the United States without slavery and reunite the nation. Learn more. 1:00 PM “My God, has the army dissolved?”- The Battles of Sailor’s Creek
Location: Isbell Tent On the evening of April 6, 1865, a pivotal moment unfolded along the banks of Little Sailor’s Creek. Join a ranger from Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park to learn about the engagement known as “Black Thursday”. 3:00 PM Forgotten Friday: The Battles in Cumberland County, VA- April 7, 1865 Location: Isbell Tent Largely overlooked owing to the events at Sailor’s Creek and Appomattox Court House, multiple engagements and events occurred in Cumberland County. Four separate engagements result in the death, wounding and capture of three generals. 10:00 AM "Sheridan Would Do it": The Shenandoah Valley to Petersburg
Location: Isbell Tent Learn how the first steps of the Appomattox Campaign started in the Shenandoah Valley and came through area counties. 11:00 AM No April's Fool Joke: Battle of Five Forks Location: Isbell Tent To destroy the last Confederate supply lines into Petersburg and Richmond, General Sheridan launched an attack on April 1st, 1865. A decisive Federal victory at Five Forks was no joke for the southern defenders. 12:00 PM From Hamlet to History: A Walking Tour of Appomattox Court House Starting Location: Outside of the Visitor Center front entrance Join a ranger for a 35-minute walking tour discussing the events that brought the war to Appomattox Court House, the surrender proceedings, and how these events shaped the course of American history. 0.25 mile walk on mostly level surfaces. 1:00 PM The Beginning of the End: Petersburg Falls Location: Isbell Tent General Grant launched all-out attacks on the cities of Petersburg and Richmond after the decisive victory at Five Forks. The results put into motion the campaign that led to the events in the village of Appomattox Court House a week later. 2:00 PM Final Fury and the Last to Die: The Battles of Appomattox Station and Appomattox Court House Location: Isbell Tent Park Historian Patrick Schroeder highlights the final engagements of United States troops and the Army of Northern Virginia. 3:00 PM Homefront: Southside Virginia Before and After the War Location: Isbell Tent Join a ranger to learn about how local residents, free and enslaved, experienced the four-year struggle and its aftermath. 4:00 PM Fighting Like Tigers: The Battle of Appomattox Station Location: Appomattox Station Battlefield (Jamerson Lane, Appomattox) Join Park Historian Patrick Schroeder for a tour of the site of the Battle of Appomattox Station on April 8, 1865. Participants are encouraged to bring a camp chair for seating. 9:30 AM The Last to Die: The Battle of Appomattox Court House Walking Tour
Starting Location: Outside of the Visitor Center front entrance Walk in the footsteps of history with Park Historian Patrick Schroeder to examine the Battle of Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. 1.5-hour walk, 1-mile round trip, including uphill and downhill sections. 10:00 AM Grant and Lee Recount the Events of April 9, 1865 Location: McLean Orchard The Generals themselves review the events of 160 years ago today. 11:00 AM United States Colored Troops Approach Trail Dedication and Walking Tour Starting Location: Grant’s Headquarters Parking Area On April 9, 1865, 5,000 United States Colored Troops were part of the United States forces that slammed the door on the Army of Northern of Virginia’s escape route. Join park staff for the dedication of a new trail honoring this legacy. Following the dedication, join a guided hike of the new trail. Bring water and proper footwear for this open-field 1.5-mile round trip trail on uneven grassy paths. The tour will exceed one hour in length. Handicapped parking available at the Grant’s Headquarters Parking Area. Additional parking is available at Galilee Baptist Church. 12:00 PM From Hamlet to History: A Walking Tour of Appomattox Court House Starting Location: Outside of the Visitor Center front entrance Join a ranger for a 35-minute walking tour discussing the events that brought the war to Appomattox Court House, the surrender proceedings, and how these events shaped the course of American history. 0.25 mile walk on mostly level surfaces. 1:00 PM Let Us Have Peace: Lee and Grant’s Meeting at the McLean House Location: McLean Orchard Recount the events that brought Generals Grant and Lee to the McLean House for the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia near the grounds where they took place exactly 160 years earlier (to the hour). 2:00 PM Grant and Lee Recount the Events of April 9, 1865 Location: McLean Orchard The Generals themselves review the events of 160 years ago today. 3:00 PM Myths about Lee’s Surrender Location: Isbell Tent An enlightening lecture by Park Historian Patrick Schroeder, telling what really happened at Appomattox Court House-separating myth from fact. 4:00 PM Emancipation and the Quest for Freedom Location: Isbell Tent April 9, 1865, was long commemorated as Freedom Day in Virginia. Join a Ranger to learn how the events here at Appomattox Court House ultimately led to the end of slavery in Virginia and beyond, forever changing the lives of so many. 10:00 AM From the Bluegrass to the Battlefield: USCTs and the Appomattox Campaign
Location: Isbell Tent Trace the journey of Kentucky United States Colored Troops (USCT) and their participation in the final battles of the Civil War. The Federal Army had nearly 24,000 USCTs in Kentucky alone, including two regiments who served in the Appomattox Campaign. 11:00 AM The First Day of Peace: Grant and Lee Second Meeting Location: Second Meeting Site Join Generals Grant and Lee as they re-tell their short conference on the morning of April 10, 1865. 12:00 PM "Bring the Chloroform": An Overview of Surgery in the Civil War Location: Isbell Tent Unpack and correct the historical record related to Civil War medicine and care for the wounded. Examine the use of anesthesia, surgical techniques, improved camp sanitation and the impact these had on the wounded during the Civil War. 1:00 PM In Triplicate: The Final Surrender Agreement Location: McLean Orchard How do you surrender an army? Meet with U.S. General John Gibbon and participate as a member of the commission appointed by Generals Lee and Grant to address the question: how do you disband an army, and what do you do with all the horses, cannons, and weapons, and what about private belongings? 2:00 PM Coleman House Trail Dedication and Walk Starting Location: Gordon Drive Join park staff for the dedication of this new trail. After the dedication, walk with Park Historian Patrick Schroeder to the epicenter of the Appomattox Court House battlefield. Included are a stop at the location where Federal cavalry made a stand to block the escape route of the Army of Northern Virginia, and the advance of the Western Brigade. Other stops include the Coleman House site where civilian Hannah Reynolds, an enslaved woman, received her mortal wound and the 11th Maine Infantry was decimated by artillery fire. Bring water and proper footwear for this wooded 1.75-mile round trip trail hike on uneven terrain. The tour will exceed one hour in length. Parking is available along Gordon Drive and the Confederate Cemetery parking lot. 2:30 PM Meet Grant and Lee Location: McLean Orchard Meet the Generals themselves for a first-person living history presentation. 3:00 PM Paroling the Army of Northern Virginia Location: Clover Hill Tavern Porch Participate in this interactive demonstration of the printing of parole passes for the Army of Northern Virginia. 3:30 PM "Bring the Chloroform": An Overview of Surgery in the Civil War Location: Isbell Tent Unpack and correct the historical record related to Civil War medicine and care for the wounded. Examine the use of anesthesia, surgical techniques, improved camp sanitation and the impact these had on the wounded during the Civil War. 4:00 PM Surrenders after Appomattox: April to November 1865 Location: Isbell Tent The Civil War did not come to in an immediate end with General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Join a ranger to examine the piecemeal fashion of Confederate military surrenders. 9:30 AM Don’t Touch that! Museum Tour with the Park Historian
Starting Location: Visitor Center Lobby Dive deeper into the history of the artifacts on display in the Visitor Center. Highlights include the recently restored Watson Collection. This tour involves climbing stairs. 10:00 AM Freedom Day: The Story of Booker T. Washington Location: Isbell Tent Grant’s victory at Appomattox Court House ultimately led to the end of slavery in Virginia, including freedom for nine-year-old Booker T. Washington. Join Park Superintendent Jim Bailey for a discussion of Washington’s life and legacy. 11:00 AM Meet Grant and Lee Location: McLean Orchard Meet the Generals themselves for a first-person living history presentation. 12:00 PM A Warrior in Two Camps: Ely Parker Location: Isbell Tent Uncover the story of Lt. Colonel Ely Parker, a Seneca Indian and Grant’s Military Secretary. 1:00 PM Lincoln's Peace: The Struggle to End the Civil War Location: Isbell Tent How much of the story of Lee's surrender to Grant is history, and how much is myth? Join author and Brown University Associate Professor of History Michael Vorenberg to reevaluate the role of Appomattox in bringing the American Civil War to a close, while contrasting the ways in which the war continued beyond and in spite of the surrender at Appomattox Court House. 2:00 PM Enacting the Emancipation Proclamation Location: Isbell Tent Discover how this war measure came into effect to strike a mighty blow to the system of slavery, ultimately leading to the freedom of over four million individuals. 3:00 PM To the Bitter End: The Surrenders After Appomattox Location: Isbell Tent Appomattox is the most well know surrender, but did you know there were three other major surrenders, and several smaller ones? Why does the memory of Appomattox overshadow the others? Examine what finally brought the war to end. 4:00 PM "Bring the Chloroform": An Overview of Surgery in the Civil War Location: Isbell Tent Unpack and correct the historical record related to Civil War medicine and care for the wounded. Examine the use of anesthesia, surgical techniques, improved camp sanitation and the impact these had on the wounded during the Civil War. 6:00 PM African American Legacies of Appomattox: Galilee Baptist Church Location: Galilee Baptist Church, 4248 Old Courthouse Rd, Appomattox, VA In 1867, freed people of Appomattox County formed the first African American church, Galilee Baptist Church. Join park staff and community members as we honor this legacy. The evening includes a performance by New Beginnings Gospel Singers of Appomattox. 9:00 AM Joshua Chamberlain and the Stacking of Arms 11:00 AM Artillery Surrender Hike Living Historians recreate the April 11, 1865 surrender of Confederate artillery. 0.5 mile round trip walking on largely level gravel paths. 11:30 AM Living History: The United States Colored Troops in the Civil War Stand in the steps of history for a special program honoring the United States Colored Troops (USCTs). On April 9, 1865, 5,000 USCTs crossed through these fields to help strike the last blows against the Army of Northern Virginia. 12:00 PM Family Program: Life and Limb-Civil War Medical Care After Battles An interactive family-friendly presentation where you will see and experience a Civil War amputation. Topics to be discussed include sickness, battle wounds, and surgery! Walk away with a better understanding of the experience a Civil War soldier would encounter with a battle wound. 12:30 PM Emancipation and the Quest for Freedom April 9, 1865 was long commemorated as Freedom Day in Virginia. Join a Ranger to learn more about how the events here at Appomattox Court House ultimately led to the ending of slavery in Virginia and beyond, forever changing the lives of so many. 1:00 PM Stacking of Arms Witness living historians recreate the April 12, 1865 stacking of arms ceremony, 160 years to the day. 2:00 PM Lincoln's Peace: The Struggle to End the Civil War How much of the story of Lee's surrender to Grant is history, and how much is myth? Join author and Brown University Associate Professor of History Michael Vorenberg to reevaluate the role of Appomattox in bringing the American Civil War to a close, while contrasting the ways in which the war continued beyond and in spite of the surrender at Appomattox Court House. 9:00 AM The Sound of History: Cannon Fire Returns After 160 Years
Starting Location: Outside of the Visitor Center front entrance Experience a one-of-a-kind moment: Shadow the movement of Confederate artillery as they travel the Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road to one of the final locations of the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865. This is the first time since 1865 that artillery will fire from this spot. Due to safety concerns, visitors must gather outside visitor center to begin the program before being led across Route 24 as a group. 1.5-mile round trip walk largely uphill on uneven dirt and grassy surfaces. 10:00 AM Stacking of Arms Starting Location: Outside of the Visitor Center front entrance Witness living historians recreate the April 12, 1865 stacking of arms ceremony, 160 years to the day. 11:00 AM To The Bitter End: The Surrenders After Appomattox Location: Isbell Tent Appomattox is the most well know surrender, but did you know there were three other major surrenders, and several smaller ones? Why does the memory of Appomattox overshadow the others? Examine what finally brought the war to end. 11:30 AM From Hamlet to History: A Walking Tour of Appomattox Court House Starting Location: Outside of the Visitor Center front entrance Join a ranger for a 35-minute walking tour discussing the events that brought the war to Appomattox Court House, the surrender proceedings, and how these events shaped the course of American history. 0.25 mile walk on mostly level gravel surfaces. 12:00 PM Meet Grant and Lee Location: McLean Orchard Meet the Generals themselves for a first-person living history presentation. 1:00 PM Footsteps to Freedom: The John Robinson Experience Location: Kelley House Explore the life of John Robinson, one of nearly 4,600 enslaved African Americans residing in Appomattox County who were emancipated as a result of Lee's surrender on April 9, 1865. 1:30 PM Uncovering My Virginia Roots: Connecting Family History to Wilmer McLean and Appomattox Court House Location: Isbell Tent Linda Crichlow White reveals her family connections to those enslaved by Wilmer and Virginia McLean as well as the United States Colored Troops who served here. White will share here research journey, methods, and offer insights into how others can trace their own family histories. 2:00 PM Meet Grant and Lee Location: McLean Orchard Meet the Generals themselves for a first-person living history presentation. 2:30 PM Paroling the Army of Northern Virginia Location: Clover Hill Tavern Porch Explore the paroling of the Army of Northern Virginia with an interactive demonstration of the printing press. 3:00 PM Breaking Boundaries: Women of the Civil War Era Location: Isbell Tent Women were instrumental in the Civil War as mothers, wives, sisters, factory workers, teachers, authors, slaves, cooks, nurses, spies, and sometimes even posing as soldiers. Discover how these women contributed to the Federal and Confederate causes with a strong degree of passion and sacrifice, just as the soldiers they supported. 3:30 PM Don’t Touch that! Museum Tour with the Park Historian Starting Location: Visitor Center Lobby Divide deeper into the history of the artifacts on display in the Visitor Center. Highlights include the recently restored Watson Collection. This tour involves climbing stairs. Activities throughout the day: 9:00-11:00 Coffee Wagon Location: Village Center Enjoy free coffee from a reproduction 1860s era coffee wagon. The wagon allowed the United States Christian Commision to deliver coffee and other hot drinks close to the front lines. A coffee wagon was present in the village after the surrender in April 1865. 11:00-3:00 Kids Zone Location: Old Jail Lawn (weather permitting) 11:00-3:00 Printing Press Demonstrations Location: Clover Hill Tavern |
Last updated: April 1, 2025