Battle of Appomattox Court House FAQs

1. What was the Battle of Appomattox Court House?

The Battle of Appomattox Court House was the final battle of the American Civil War, fought on April 9, 1865, in Appomattox County, Virginia.

2. Who were the commanders of the Union and Confederate forces?

The Union forces were commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant, while the Confederate forces were commanded by General Robert E. Lee.

3. What was the outcome of the battle?

The Confederate forces were defeated, and General Lee surrendered to General Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.

4. How many casualties were there in the battle?

There were approximately 700 casualties in the battle, with most of them being Confederate soldiers.

5. What was the significance of the Battle of Appomattox Court House?

The Battle of Appomattox Court House marked the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the process of reunification and reconstruction in the United States.

6. Where is Appomattox Court House located?

Appomattox Court House is located in Appomattox County, Virginia, about 90 miles west of Richmond.

7. How long did the battle last?

The battle lasted for only a few hours, from around 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

8. What were the main tactics used by the Union and Confederate forces?

The Union forces used a combination of artillery and infantry attacks, while the Confederate forces relied heavily on their cavalry.

9. What was the condition of the Confederate army at the time of the battle?

The Confederate army was in a weakened state, with low morale and dwindling supplies.

10. What were the terms of surrender offered by General Grant?

General Grant offered generous terms of surrender, allowing the Confederate soldiers to keep their personal belongings and horses, and providing them with food rations.

11. What was the reaction of the Union soldiers to the surrender?

The Union soldiers were jubilant and celebrated the end of the war, but General Grant ordered them to stop and show respect for their defeated opponents.

12. What happened to General Lee after the surrender?

General Lee returned to his home in Virginia and later became the president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University).

13. What was the impact of the Battle of Appomattox Court House on the United States?

The Battle of Appomattox Court House marked the end of the Civil War and the beginning of a new era in American history, with the abolition of slavery and the process of reconstruction and reconciliation.

14. Are there any historical sites related to the Battle of Appomattox Court House?

Yes, the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park preserves the site of the surrender and includes several historic buildings and exhibits.

15. How is the Battle of Appomattox Court House remembered today?

The Battle of Appomattox Court House is remembered as a significant event in American history, marking the end of the Civil War and the beginning of a new era of unity and reconstruction.