Clover Hill Tavern
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Clover Hill Tavern is a restored brick tavern inside Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, where a small roadside community grew into the county seat later known as Appomattox Court House. It is especially remembered as the place where Union soldiers printed thousands of parole passes for Confederate soldiers after the surrender in April 1865. The tavern is one stop in a larger historic village, so plan to explore it as part of a park visit rather than as a separate attraction.[1][2]
Why the tavern matters
Alexander Patteson built the tavern in 1819 to serve travelers on the Richmond–Lynchburg Stage Road. The road and tavern helped Clover Hill develop as a stopping point; after Appomattox County was created in 1845, the village became its seat of government and took the name Appomattox Court House.[3][4]
On April 10, 1865, Federal soldiers set up printing presses in the tavern. Under General George Sharpe’s supervision, they produced approximately 30,000 parole passes in about 30 hours. The passes helped paroled Confederates travel home through areas where fighting continued, including by allowing them to use Federal transportation and obtain rations from Federal forces.[5]
What to see
The tavern building contains an exhibit about the printing of the parole passes. Nearby are the tavern’s kitchen and guest house, built in 1848 and later restored. The surrounding village preserves other buildings and places connected with daily life and the surrender’s aftermath, so leave time to walk beyond the tavern itself.[6]
The story of Clover Hill also includes the people whose labor sustained the community. The National Park Service notes that slavery shaped nearly every aspect of life in the village and county; it is important context for understanding the buildings and the history presented across the park.[7]
Planning a visit
Start at the reconstructed courthouse visitor center, where park staff offer maps and visit guidance, exhibits, restrooms, and an orientation film. The National Park Service recommends allowing at least two hours for the village and surrounding park; ranger talks and living-history programs may add more, depending on the season and schedule.[8][9]
The park lists its regular hours as 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, with holiday closures and possible weather-related changes. Check the official operating-hours page before traveling, especially if you hope to see a particular building or attend a program. The park is fee-free, according to its visitor information page.[10][11]
The main visitor parking area is on Virginia Route 24, about two miles northeast of the modern town of Appomattox. Follow the park’s signs to the visitor parking area rather than relying solely on GPS, which may direct drivers onto internal park roads. Many historic buildings have steps or other accessibility limitations; consult the park’s accessibility information when planning your route.[12][13]
Explore nearby
Clover Hill Tavern is part of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, whose village, visitor center, and surrounding landscape provide a fuller account of the surrender and its aftermath. For a broader regional trip, see Appomattox, Virginia and Appomattox County, Virginia.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Clover Hill Tavern, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Structures at Appomattox Court House, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ From Clover Hill to Appomattox Court House, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Clover Hill Tavern, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Structures at Appomattox Court House, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ From Clover Hill to Appomattox Court House, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Operating Hours & Seasons, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Operating Hours & Seasons, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Fees & Passes, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Directions (including GPS), Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Accessibility, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service. Retrieved October 24, 2026.