TODAY ONLY

April 9

Robert E. Lee Surrenders

On this day in 1865, at Appomattox, Virginia, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his 28,000 troops to Union General Ulysses S. Grant.

War is Over. The surrender ended the bloodiest war in US history, with over 1 million casualties.

Steps to the End; No Remaining Options.

  • Lee was forced to abandon the Confederate capital of Richmond
  • He was blocked from joining the surviving Confederate force in North Carolina
  • He was harassed constantly by Union cavalry.

The Retreat Through Virginia. Retreating from the Union army's Appomattox Campaign, the Army of Northern Virginia passed through the Virginia countryside without food or supplies. At one point, the Union cavalry actually outran Lee's army, blocking their retreat and taking 6000 prisoners. More and more soldiers deserted.

April 8. By April 8, the Confederates were surrounded with no hope of escape.

Today, Almost 150 Years Ago... Lee sent his famous message to Grant, announcing his willingness to surrender. Lee and Grant met that afternoon at 1:00, Grant in his muddy uniform and Lee in full dress attire, complete with sash and sword.

Terms of the Agreement. Grant quickly wrote out the terms of their agreement:

  • All officers and men were to be pardoned
  • They would be sent home with their private property, such as horses, which would be needed for spring planting
  • Officers would keep their side arms
  • Lee's starving men would be given Union rations.

A Plan for Peace. General Grant told his officers, "The war is over. The Rebels are our countrymen again." The American Civil War had come to an end.

...after four years of Civil War, approximately 630,000 deaths and over 1 million casualties, General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, at the home of Wilmer and Virginia McLean in the town of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.