Appomattox Day – Apr. 9, 2027

Expected Appomattox Day Deals

As a solemn historical observance, Appomattox Day does not typically feature commercial deals or promotions. Instead, the focus remains on education, remembrance, and supporting historical preservation. Organizations like the National Park Service, which manages Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, often host special events and educational programs. History publishers such as Osprey Publishing and Stackpole Books may offer discounts on Civil War-themed titles. Retailers like The History Store or Civil War Gifts might highlight relevant memorabilia. Consider donating to groups like the American Battlefield Trust or local historical societies dedicated to preserving Civil War sites. We will update this page with confirmed educational events and commemorative programs as April 9 approaches.

History of Appomattox Day

On the morning of April 9 in Appomattox, General Lee could not believe that the war was over. He had stationed the remainder of the Confederate cavalry, 8,000 men from Maj. General John B. Gordon’s Second Corps, and Lee’s nephew Fitzhugh Lee for battle west of the village of Appomattox Court House. Lee was counting on there being only a few Union cavalrymen ahead of him that he could easily fight off and find rations and supplies. From there, he would turn south to march to North Carolina to continue the fight.

However, Grant thwarted Lee’s plans to turn south for a week straight. He blocked Lee’s movements and tried to encircle his men. Grant’s troops finally got ahead of Lee at Appomattox. General Lee was in the middle of the fight while his headquarters was located east of the village near the center of his army. West of the village, Gordon’s Second Corps and the Cavalry were preparing for a fight. Longstreet’s command, the First and Third Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia, were in the east patrolling the rear.

At this point, Lee knew that more Union troops were approaching from the east and maybe the south. He hoped he could move his forces before the arrival of Union reinforcements. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be. Thousands of Union infantry, including the United States Colored Troops, marched most of the night and descended on Lee and his men. By 8:00 a.m., General Gordon’s troops retreated to the village, Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry fled toward the west, and Lee finally accepted that his war was over. The surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia came after they were defeated in the final battle of the war in Virginia. 11 days earlier, the Battle of Lewis’ Farm began and this ended with the Battle of Appomattox Court House.

Since the 19th century, authorities have put in more concerted efforts to preserve the history of the Appomattox Court House for the public to experience. In 1940, the Appomattox Court House National Historic Park was established on about 1,700 acres. The Park includes Lee’s headquarters, some of the battlefield land, the Court House, and a reconstructed McLean House (though missing a lot of its original furniture).

The American Battlefield Trust has preserved additional acreage which includes land that Griffin used during his counterattack and land where Bvt. Maj. Gen. George Armstrong Custer’s cavalry division stopped an advance by Brig. Gen. Martin Gary’s Confederate cavalry down the LeGrand road.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Appomattox Day