Lee Surrenders to Grant at Appomattox
April 9th, 1865
April 9th, 1865
How Long Ago?
159 years, 11 months, 6 days ago
Location
Appomattox Court House, Virginia, United States
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
American Civil War
People
- Ulysses S. Grant
- Robert E. Lee
Links & References
- American Civil War
- Robert E. Lee
- Ulysses S. Grant
- Army of Northern Virginia
- Battle of Appomattox Court House
- Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Tags
Lee Surrenders to Grant at Appomattox
General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, marking a significant turning point in the American Civil War. This moment followed a series of Confederate defeats and was spurred by Lee's realization that escape and further resistance were no longer viable. The surrender included approximately 26,765 troops and established terms favorable to the Confederates, allowing them to return home with their horses and personal effects.
Lee's army numbered about 26,765 troops.
Grant offered generous terms of surrender.
The surrender took place in a private home.
This event marked the beginning of Reconstruction.
What Happened?
The surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House occurred as a result of relentless military pressure on Confederate forces during the final stages of the American Civil War. Following the fall of Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital, in early April, Lee's forces were trapped, severely outnumbered, and faced an undeterred Union army that had the operational advantage. After a series of skirmishes and advancing Union troops, Lee recognized the futility of continuing to fight. He initiated a truce with Grant, leading to their meeting at the McLean house in Appomattox. This encounter was marked by its somber yet respectful atmosphere, with both leaders understanding the gravity of the moment. Grant's terms were generous; he allowed Lee’s men to keep their horses and sidearms, symbolizing a measure of dignity for the defeated soldiers. The event was significant not only in militaristic terms but also represented a step towards the healing of a fractured nation. Lee's surrender effectively marked the collapse of the Confederacy, spurring additional surrenders and the conclusion of the Civil War.
Why Does it Matter?
The surrender at Appomattox Court House is a pivotal moment in American history, symbolizing the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the Reconstruction era. It highlighted the challenges of reunifying a nation torn apart by war and set the stage for significant social, political, and economic changes in the United States. The terms of surrender offered by Grant illustrated a desire for reconciliation rather than retribution, influencing future interactions between former foes.
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