Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
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Location
Near Appomattox, Virginia
Managed by
National Park Service
Admission
Free
Suggested visit
Allow at least two hours
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park brings together a historic village, surrounding landscapes and the story of the April 1865 campaign. On April 9, General Robert E. Lee met General Ulysses S. Grant at the McLean House to agree on the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. The event helped set the terms and tone for other surrenders, but it did not end the Civil War that day.[1][2]
This is a place to take at an unhurried pace: start at the visitor center in the reconstructed courthouse, then walk among the village buildings and follow the park’s interpretation of the surrender and its consequences. The NPS suggests allowing at least two hours; check its current hours, seasonal programs and access information before setting out.[3]
Plan a trip to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Why visit Appomattox?
The park makes a pivotal moment in U.S. history tangible through the landscape and buildings where events unfolded. Its story extends beyond the meeting of two generals: the village and surrounding county were home to enslaved people whose emancipation became an immediate reality as Union forces arrived, as well as residents whose community faced the war’s aftermath.[4]
The setting also helps correct a familiar misconception: Lee and Grant did not meet in the courthouse. The courthouse was closed that Palm Sunday; they met in the parlor of Wilmer and Virginia McLean’s home. The original courthouse later burned, and the present visitor-center building is a reconstruction.[5]
Start here
Begin at the visitor center in the reconstructed courthouse. Pick up a map, see the exhibits and watch the park’s orientation film before walking into the village. The NPS describes the visit as largely self-guided; ranger talks and living-history programs may be available, with offerings varying by season. Check the park’s current program calendar before visiting.[6]
What to see and do
McLean House
See the reconstructed home where Lee and Grant met on April 9, 1865. The house was dismantled in 1893 and reconstructed on its original site beginning in 1948; seasonal access and opening arrangements can vary.
Reconstructed courthouse and visitor center
Get oriented in the building that houses visitor information, exhibits and an introductory film. The original courthouse had no part in the surrender meeting.
Clover Hill Tavern
Visit one of the village’s oldest surviving buildings. Its interpretation includes the printing of parole passes for Confederate soldiers after the surrender.
Historic village walk
Explore the village streets and historic buildings to understand the community that existed here before and during the campaign. Some buildings are not open to visitors; follow posted signs and park guidance.
Trails and driving pull-offs
Look beyond the village core for trails and roadside viewpoints tied to the campaign and the surrounding landscape. Get a map and check current conditions at the visitor center before heading out.
Self-guided interpretation
Use the park map or available digital tours to explore at your own pace. Download any app or tour materials before arrival if you expect limited connectivity.
History and significance
Appomattox Court House began as a small county-seat village. On April 9, 1865, after the final campaign brought the armies to the area, Lee and Grant met at the McLean House to discuss the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. The agreement helped shape subsequent surrenders, though Confederate forces elsewhere continued to lay down arms after that date.[7]
The park’s history is also a story of preservation. Congress established Appomattox Court House National Historical Monument in 1940; in 1954, Congress changed its designation to National Historical Park. Rather than build a single monument, the National Park Service undertook restoration of the historic village and its buildings.[8][9]
Planning a visit
The park is near the town of Appomattox in south-central Virginia. The main visitor parking area is on VA Route 24, northeast of town; use the NPS directions and follow park signs, since GPS may direct drivers onto internal roads. Admission is free, but confirm current conditions before travel.[10][11]
Hours, weather closures and access to individual buildings can change; check the NPS operating-hours page before leaving. The visitor center and much of the village are reached by an uphill walk from the parking area. Village paths include gravel, dirt and grass, and historic buildings may have steps or other barriers. The NPS provides accessibility information and recommends contacting the visitor center about assistance and available accommodations.[12][13]
There are no lodging or eating facilities inside the park. A small picnic area is available near the main parking lot; plan meals and overnight stays in nearby communities. Leashed pets are permitted outdoors but are not allowed in historic village buildings, except service animals; confirm current rules with the NPS.[14][15]
Nearby attractions
Lynchburg, Virginia
A nearby city and a useful base for exploring this part of south-central Virginia.
Richmond, Virginia
Virginia’s capital, west of which the park is located.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Another Virginia Civil War site preserved and interpreted by the National Park Service.
References
- ↑ Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ The Surrender Meeting, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Emancipation at Appomattox, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Historic Structures at Appomattox Court House, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Things To Do, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ The Surrender Meeting, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Commemoration and Preservation, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Management, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Directions (Including GPS), National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Fees & Passes, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Operating Hours & Seasons, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Accessibility, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Things To Do, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.
- ↑ Laws & Policies, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 1, 2026.